This document provides an overview of resources available at a museum about the book "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, including sections on life in the 1930s, Southern culture, racism, and Jim Crow laws. Visitors can view book covers, digital book talks, videos, recipes, and learn more about religion, manners, and culture in the American South during that time period.
Explore 50 years of To Kill a Mockingbird covers and 1930s Southern culture
1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Special Exhibit: 50 years of Book Covers Welcome to the To Kill a Mocking bird Museum Click to View the Digital Book Talk View life in the 1930’s More Resources Southern Culture Racism
2. Back to Lobby 50 years To Kill a Mockingbird 52 book covers
3. Life in the 1930’s Life in the 1930’s Jim Crow Laws Racism America in the 1930’s A Decade of Complexity
6. Jim Crow Laws From the 1880s into the 1960s, a majority of American states enforced segregation through "Jim Crow" laws (so called after a black character in minstrel shows). Many states imposed legal punishments on people who even fraternized with members of another race. The most common types of laws forbade intermarriage and ordered business owners and public institutions to keep their black and white clientele separated. Examples of Jim Crow Laws Listen to the Bayard Rustin song, "You Don't Have to Ride Jim Crow Insert Artifact Picture Here Back to Lobby
7. Southern Foods 1930's the South, cooks learned to "make do" with the most common cheapest foods. Most families had a vegetable garden to provide greens and potatoes. Good home cooking included pork roasts, fried chicken, craw fish and game when available. Pork fat and flour were mixed for gravy. Leftovers made good stews and gumbos. For dessert there was apple, shoo-fly (molasses) or sweet potato pie. Bread pudding, made from stale bread, raisins and brown sugar, was another sweet treat. Click to see some traditional Southern recipes . Back to Lobby
8. Religion in the South 80-90% of Southerners were Evangelical Protestants. Many religious practices were informal. A worship service could range from 30 minutes to a the entire day. Evangelists held regular revival meetings which drew huge crowds. The church was an important part of the Black community. By the 1930s the black Baptists had become by far the largest denomination with more than twice the membership of white Baptist churches. Church members supported each other through hard times. Back to Lobby
9. Southern Manners Southern etiquette was an important part of culture. Visitors were warmly welcomed and always offered a cool beverage and something to eat. Children always called adults “ Sir” or ” Ma ’ am. ” Gentlemen not only opened doors for ladies, they refrained from “coarse speech” in their presence. A woman’s life centered around home and church. Even young girls were expected to be demure, respectful, and meticulous in their appearance. Hats and white gloves were an absolute must for every occasion. Click to read more about ladies’ hats and hair styles . Back to Lobby