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From the late nineteenth century until shortly after World War II, an unwritten yet strictly observed "gentlemen's agreement" excluded men of color from the teams and leagues that made up organized baseball. African-American baseball players then formed their own professional leagues and barnstormed around the country, playing an exciting style of fast-running and power-hitting baseball that attracted huge audiences. Segregated baseball, which began in the 1880s, would endure until the Brooklyn Dodgers' signing of Jackie Robinson in 1945 (although remnants of the Negro Leagues lasted through 1960). It is the untold piece of America's baseball history.

With America's entry into World War II, several major league baseball executives started a new professional league with women players in order to maintain baseball in the public eye while the majority of able men were away. In the end, the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which operated from 1943 to 1954, gave over 600 women athletes the opportunity to play professional baseball and to play it at a level never before attained.

Discover these unique American experiences at the Library's special exhibit in celebration of February's Black History and March's Women's History Month.

Access to the exhibit is free to Library members, as well as users with a Library day or week pass. Visit the membership page for details.