As the exhibit’s curator, Andrew spent the next 18 months researching the history of redlining. He examined more than 160 secondary sources, utilized more than 20 archives to access thousands of pages of primary sources, and gathered countless news articles that related to what we realized was an ever-growing list of redlining’s legacies. Andrew compiled his findings into a 75-page research paper that spanned nearly two centuries. Given the size of our special exhibit gallery, Andrew’s scope seemed… ambitious. But sometimes important history needs an advocate. As we worked to pare down the research, Andrew continually advocated for more history. To understand the history of redlining, he argued, you have to go back to the period of Jim Crow, the Great Migration, and the Progressive Movement. You have to know where these ideas that shaped modern home lending and ownership were forged. Ultimately, Andrew (and history) won, and we produced a special exhibition that spanned more than 150 years.

Telling a story that large required a lot of words – over 22,000 it turns out. That’s nearly as many as are in the museum’s signature exhibit, “Becoming Johnson County.” Luckily for the museum, we work alongside Tim Bair, the Producing Artistic Director of Theatre in the Park, and Justin Border, JCPRD’s Communication Specialist/Graphic Designer and an artist. In their hands, the 45-page script was transformed into an experience that was, yes, crammed full of words, but that compelled you to read on through stunning design.

An exhibit of this scale required the assistance of the whole team. Ryanne Pritchard, the museum’s emerging museum professional intern, systematically reviewed hundreds of property deeds in the museum’s collections. Anne Jones, curator of collections, led us through selection and conservation of items to bring the history to life. Leah Palmer, curator of education, leveraged her experiences in exhibit design and education to help us tell the story better and, wherever possible, with fewer words. And all of them, and many others, lent their eyes to proof the extensive script.

Even with all of those words, we knew we would not be able to tell the whole story. Museum staff consulted with the Johnson County Voices of Inclusion and Belonging (VIBE) Advisory Team to challenge our perspectives. We enlisted the help of Dr. Carmelleta Williams, the executive director of the Black Archives, to share her perspective and expertise as a content reviewer. And we engaged leaders in formerly redlined neighborhoods – Marvin Robinson III, Gloria Ortiz Fisher, and Dr. Williams – to share their perspectives on the history of redlining and their love and hope for their neighborhoods. Sonié Joi Thompson-Ruffin and nine members of the African American Artists Collective created visually compelling pieces in response to the history of redlining; these pieces offer a much-needed place for reflection in the exhibit.

In January 2022, “REDLINED: Cities, Suburbs, and Segregation” opened to the public. We knew we created something special, but we were not prepared for the public’s response to this exhibit. People have come out in droves. Demand for group tours is at an all-time high. More than 20 institutions in the two-state area joined us to offer programming related to this history. Over and over again, we have been asked for more ways to share this history.

And so we adapted the exhibit into a book. Spanning 73 pages, the book version of REDLINED traces the history of redlining from its foundations in the period between the end of the Civil War and the Great Depression to its legacies, which still impact us today. With stunning graphic design and well-researched hard history, the book promises to captivate readers – just as the exhibit has. Stop by the museum store to grab a copy for yourself. The book costs $14.95 – museum members get a 10% discount! While you’re there, take some time to explore our selection of locally made items and nostalgic treats. Every purchase in the museum store supports the museum and the work we do at the Johnson County Museum every day.

Sadly, every special exhibit (even the truly great ones) must one day close. For REDLINED, closing day is just 52 days away. We hope you will make time to see this before it closes on Jan. 7. It is definitely one not to miss. We are open Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 4:30 pm, and REDLINED is included with regular admission. If you want to skip the admission fee, visit us on Wednesday, Nov. 23 for our final free day of the year. To learn more and to plan your visit, go to jcprd.com/museum.