The Greenville-Butler County Public Library is helping show the Camellia City where it’s going by showing where it’s been, with the aid of the community’s most storied and active members.

Longtime community leader Willie Mae Robinson has long since served as host of the Black History Exhibit each year at the Robinson Activity Center, located at 900 W. Commerce St., but the library will handle hosting duties this year in an event titled “Remembering the Past, Pressing Toward the Future” on March 3-7 in the library’s main community room.

The exhibit will contain all of Robinson’s existing Civil Rights-era items and much more, which include paintings of famous figures throughout black history, sculptures of works reflecting African culture, a collection of President Barack Obama memorabilia, a set of lanterns and several makeshift dolls made from household items like broomsticks.

One walk through Robinson’s exhibit is very much a ride down memory lane.

“I’ve been putting this museum together since 1996, and most of the items are donated from my friends, both black and white, from around the area,” Robinson said.

The entire event was a joint effort not just between Robinson and the Greenville-Butler County Public Library, but also the City of Greenville, the Greenville Parks and Recreation Department and the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce.

The exhibit will be on display Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

The exhibit is free and open to the public.