"The Negro Motorist Green Book" was a guidebook that came out in the 1930s aimed at helping African-American travelers.
"It was an essential travel guide for thousands of people over the course of 30 years," said Linda Goldman from the Smithsonian Channel.
The Smithsonian Channel on Wednesday screened their film, "The Green Book Guide to Freedom," at the African American Museum in Philadelphia.
Goldman says the film shows why the Green Book was necessary and the impact it had.
"The Green Book story encapsulates sort of the best and worst of American history in many ways. It was necessary because it was dangerous to travel while black," Goldman explained.
There is currently a Green Book feature film nominated for several Academy Awards.
Goldman says hopefully, their documentary can give people more insight into the reach the book had during its 30 year run.
"I just think people are going to get a much broader perspective. I hope that people who are not African-American or don't have direct experience might have better understanding and develop more empathy for what people have gone through.
The film will air on the Smithsonian Channel in partnership through Comcast Feb. 25.
Listen to the Q&A between KYW Newsradio's Justin Udo and Linda Goldman below.