Other Local Historical Organizations
Montgomery County 
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Historical Organizations in Montgomery County
Compiled by the staff of the Montgomery County Archives

Click on the link of your choice below for further information about a particular organization.
  • Agricultural History Farm Park
  • Arts and Humanities Council
  • Boyds-Clarksburg Historical Society
  • C & O Canal Association
  • Capital View Park Historical Society
  • Chevy Chase Historical Society
  • Clara Barton National Historic Site
  • Coalition to Protect Maryland Burial Sites
  • Creative Montgomery
  • Darnestown Historical Society
  • Drury/Austin House
  • FDR Living Museum
  • Gaithersburg Community Museum
  • Gaithersburg Model Railroad Society
  • Garrett Park Citizens Association
  • Germantown Historical Society
  • Glen Echo Park Foundation
  • Historic Medley District, Inc.
  • Historic Preservation Section of M-NCPPC 
    		•
  • Historic Takoma
  • Hyattstown Mill Arts Project
  • Jewish Historical Society
  • Kensington Historical Society
  • Laytonsville Historical Center, Inc.
  • Lincoln Park Historical Foundation / Society
  • Lincoln Park Partners Project
  • Maryland Historical Trust
  • George Meany Archives
  • Montgomery County History Consortium
  • Montgomery County Historical Society
  • Montgomery Preservation, Inc.
  • National Capital Trolley Museum
  • Olney Theatre Center for the Arts
  • Peerless Rockville Historic Preservation, Ltd.
  • Sandy Spring Museum
  • Save Our Seminary at Forest Glen
  • Seneca Schoolhouse
  • Silver Spring Historical Society
  • Sugarloaf Regional Trails
  • Warren Historic Site 
    		•

    Agricultural History Farm Park  [Return to list at top]
    18400 Muncaster Rd.
    Derwood, MD 20855
    http://montgomerycountymd.com/agricultural_history_farm_park.htm.
     

            Situated along Rock Creek in Derwood, Maryland, the Agricultural History Farm Park is a 410 acre complex with a farmhouse, barn, assorted farm outbuildings, and a new activity center. The land was farmed until the 1960s, with wheat replacing tobacco during the nineteenth century, and was once owned by the Magruder and Bussard families. The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission purchased the property in the 1960s in order to preserve it as a window to the past, present, and future of farming in the County. Several federal, state, and county agencies occupy offices in the activity center, and assist the present day farmer to increase production and conserve farmland for coming generations.

            Eighty acres were set aside as an historic area, and a museum with exhibits, farm machinery, and implements is planned. The site is also projected to include a farmhouse with the furnishings of typical farming families of the past.

            The Agricultural History Farm Park holds seasonal festivals depicting life on a farm both past and present and offers activities for all ages. Yearly activities include the Spring Festival in May, the Harvest Festival in October, and a Candlelight Farmhouse Tour and Hay Rides in December. For specific dates, call the Park at the number listed above. The Department of Parks and Planning hopes to open the site on a daily basis in 2003 or 2004.
     
     
     
     
     

    Boyds-Clarksburg Historical Society  [Return to list at top]
    19510 White Ground Rd.
    P.O. Box 161
    Boyds, MD 20841
    Dolores Talley, President
    301-972-0578

            The Boyds/Clarksburg Historical Society was organized in 1975 to study and preserve the character of the Boyds and Clarksburg communities, to identify and research sites of historical and cultural interest, and to work for their preservation. In 1981, the Society received a grant from the Maryland Historical Trust to acquire and restore the Boyds Negro School, which operated from 1895 to 1936. Renovations were completed in 1989, and the school was restored to approximate its 1900 condition. The Society is dedicated to preserving the school as an historic site; promoting and encouraging activities that educate, entertain, and encourage community fellowship; and establishing an archive and museum facility for the community.
     

    C & O Canal Association[Return to list at top]
    Box 366
    Glen Echo, MD 20812-0366
    301-983-0825
    www.CandOCanal.org
     

    Capital View Park Historical Society  [Return to list at top]
    10023 Menlo Avenue
    Silver Spring, MD 20910-1055
    Attn: Carol Ireland
    301-588-4420

            Capitol View Park, tucked in among Kensington, Forest Glen, Silver Spring, and Wheaton, was one of the earliest subdivisions in the County. Originally owned by Daniel Carroll and farmed by its owners, this parcel of land was eventually sold to Mary Harr after the Metropolitan Branch of the B&O Railroad reached the area in the 1870s. A subdivision plat was commissioned in 1887, and the first houses were built by the Harrs in 1888. The community acquired its name because the Capitol building was visible from the third floor of several of these homes. However, with the growth of trees over the years, the Capitol can no longer be seen.

            A bedroom community from the start, Capitol View Park displays a variety of architectural styles that provide mute testimony to successive waves of development. The Historical Society is dedicated to preserving its varied and comfortable charm which is further enhanced by some of the original farm country feeling. The community was designated the County's first Historic District, and a pamphlet for a self-guided walking tour is available from the above address.
     

    Chevy Chase Historical Society  [Return to list at top]
    P.O. Box 15145
    Chevy Chase, MD 20825-5145
    301-654-7300 (Chevy Chase Village offices)

            Chevy Chase was established by two future congressmen from Nevada, William Stewart and Francis Newlands, who founded the Chevy Chase Land Company in 1890. They bought up several thousand acres of land, extended Connecticut Avenue, and constructed a trolley line at their own expense. The neighborhood they planned featured broad streets, sidewalks, and parks, areas set aside for schools, churches, and shopping districts, and housing of various sizes. The trolley line ended at an artificial lake and amusement park built by the Land Company; it is now the location of a small shopping center.

            The Chevy Chase Historical Society was founded in 1981 to discover, record, and preserve the history of this unique neighborhood. The Society's collections serve as a resource for historical research, and it sponsors a variety of activities to promote public interest in and knowledge of the history of the community. A committee traces deeds of Chevy Chase houses at the Circuit Court in Rockville and the State Archives in Annapolis. Members are invited to participate in this work or to trace their own houses with the committee's help. General membership meetings include lectures on a variety of subjects, including historic maps of the area, the old trolley line, and the history of suburban development. The Society provides lecturers, information, photographs, and exhibits for interested libraries, schools, and organizations.

            The Society hosts one special event each year. Past events have included a tea in 1790 farmhouse, a champagne supper in an 1899 Federal style home, and day trips to St. Mary's City and Monticello.

            The Historical Society has assembled four drawers of vertical files with historical information on the village, 2000 photographs, and 200 maps relating to the community. The Society has also assembled nearly 100 oral histories of long-time residents and adjacent and allied business and their employees. These resources are available by appointment.
     

    Clara Barton National Historic Site  [Return to list at top]
    5801 Oxford Rd.
    Glen Echo, MD 20812
    301-492-6245
    www.nps.gov/clba
     

    Coalition to Protect Maryland Burial Sites  [Return to list at top]
    P.O. Box 1544
    Ellicott City, MD 21401-1533
    http://www.rootsweb.com/~mdcpmbs/coalition01.htm
     

    Darnestown Historical Society  [Return to list at top]
    Rick Griffin, president
    14101 Berryville Road
    Darnestown, MD 20874
    301-869-8969
     

    Drury/Austin House[Return to list at top]
    16112 Barnesville Road
    Boyds, MD 20841-9282
    Attn: Margaret and Jim Coleman
     
     

    Gaithersburg Community Museum  [Return to list at top]
    P.O. Box 211
    9 South Summit Avenue
    Gaithersburg, MD 20877
    301-926-2408 (message and fax)

            The Gaithersburg Community Museum, operated by the Gaithersburg Historical Society, consists of two components: the Gaithersburg Railway Museum and the Gaithersburg Heritage Museum. The museums are open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

            The Historical Society arranges for school tours of the Olde Towne area in the spring and fall, and participates in city activities. The Society has also assembled research resources, which include funeral records, clippings and other vertical files arranged by subject, photographs, and maps. This material is available by appointment.

    The Society's website is under construction, and will be found at www.gaithersburghistorical.org/.
     

    Garrett Park Citizens Association  [Return to list at top]
    P.O. Box 456
    Garrett Park, MD 20896-0456
    http://www.garrettpark.org/guide/civic/d_citass.html
     

    Germantown Historical Society  [Return to list at top]
    Attn: Ms. Susan Soderberg
    P.O.Box 475
    Germantown, MD 20875
    301-972-0795
    www.clark.net/pub/soderber/ghs
     

    Glen Echo Park Foundation[Return to list at top]
    Glen Echo Park
    7300 MacArthur Blvd.
    Glen Echo, MD 20812
    301-492-6229
    www.nps.gov/glec/
     

    Historic Medley District, Inc.  [Return to list at top]
    P.O. Box 232
    Poolesville, MD 20837
    301-972-8588

            Historic Medley operates the John Poole House and General Store, which is open Sunday noon to 5:00 PM from mid-April to mid-November, and by appointment. Surrounding the log and frame cottage is the Edward L. Stock, Jr. Memorial Arboretum, which was begun in 1976 by Mr. Stock, and which contains trees, bushes, herbs, and perennials indigenous to western Montgomery County before 1850. Mr. Stock designed the garden and was its major planter. He graduated from Cornell in 1929 and founded a nursery and landscape business with his brother. His daughter, Mollie Stock, has continued her father's landscaping business, and serves as a docent for the John Poole House and as curator for the Arboretum.

            Historic Medley also operates the Seneca Schoolhouse Museum in Poolesville. The school is open Sundays from mid-March to December, and is available by appointment to fourth grade classes as a demonstration of a living nineteenth century classroom. For more information, see the Schoolhouse's website at www.infohall.com/homelands/heritage/senecaschool.
     

    Historic Preservation Section  [Return to list at top]
    of the M-NCPPC (Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission)
    Ms. Susan Soderberg
    8787 Georgia Ave.
    Silver Spring, MD 20910-3760
    301-563-3400
    www.mc-mncppc.org
     

    Historic Takoma[Return to list at top]
    P.O. Box 5781
    Takoma Park, MD 20913
    301-270-1700 ext. 662

            Historic Takoma, Inc. is a volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Takoma Park community of Maryland and Washington, D.C. through educational activities and preservation of historical landmarks and archives. The mission of Historic Takoma is to improve the community's quality of life by educating the public about historic preservation, preserving the community's architecture and physical environment, working to revitalize business areas, procuring and preserving community historical artifacts, establishing and maintaining historic structures and exhibits, and holding meetings and other events related to its mission.

            Historic Takoma also operates the Thomas-Siegler Carriage House Museum on Tulip Avenue, which was the first carriage house in Takoma Park when it was built in 1883. Educational programs include "Our Living History Program," a lecture on city history and tour of the Carriage House Museum designed for fourth graders. Hours vary, but are generally from 1:00 to 4:00 PM Sundays from May to September.

            The organization also keeps the city's archives.
     

    Jewish Historical Society  [Return to list at top]
    Lillian and Albert Small Jewish Museum
    701 Third St., NW
    Washington, DC 20001-2624
    202-789-0900

            The Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington is the only local institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, and presenting the history of the local Jewish community. Its small but growing collection includes historical documentation of the families and individuals, charitable organizations and synagogues, clubs, schools and institutions that are part of the history of the Jewish community in the Washington, D.C. and neighboring areas. The Society collects letters, photographs, documents, records, scrapbooks, diaries, and related artifacts which document the Jewish people and the Jewish communities of greater Washington.

            The Society is housed in the oldest surviving synagogue in Washington, D.C., which was dedicated in 1876. The Museum is open Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and is closed Friday, Saturday, and major Jewish holidays.
     

    Kensington Historical Society  [Return to list at top]
    P.O. Box 453
    Kensington, MD 20895
    Barry Peoples, President
    301-942-4820

            The Kensington Historical Society, Inc. was formed in June 1977. Its goals are to safeguard the heritage of Kensington by preserving a record of its culture and architecture, by supporting preservation efforts, by promoting its historic district, and by encouraging restoration of its historic sites and structures.

            The Society meets the second Tuesday of the month, September through November and February through May, at 7:30 PM. It offers educational and social programs, publishes a newsletter, and arranges tours to historical sites of interest.

            The Society maintains a resource file of publications, newspaper clippings, and photographs, and its representatives serve on various state and local preservation committees.
     

    Laytonsville Historical Center, Inc.  [Return to list at top]
    Mr. C. Willard Oland
    21624 Second St.
    Laytonsville, MD 20822
    301-977-5747
    http://www.laytonsville.org/laytonsville/lhs.htm

            The Laytonsville Historical Center maintains a subject file on the history of Laytonsville. These files are open to the public on Tuesday from 8:30 to 10:30 AM in the Laytonsville Elementary School, but it is best to call ahead to schedule an appointment.
     

    Lincoln Park Historical Foundation / Society  [Return to list at top]
    Anita Neal Powell, Founding President
    P.O. Box 1884
    Rockville, MD 20849-1884
    301-251-2747
    Email: lincolnparkHist@aol.com

            The Society is a volunteer non-profit organization that is geared towards heightening the awareness of the historic presence and contributions made by African Americans. It is dedicated to preserving the heritage of lost, pocket and historic black communities in Montgomery County, Maryland. It is also a partner in the Lincoln Park History Project online.

            The Society conducts a traveling public education program entitled "Tracking the Footprints of African Americans in Montgomery County: Exhibit on Tour." The traveling program is conducted through presentations, seminars, and workshops; historic guided walking and bus tours throughout the County; and specialized exhibits focusing on the hub of segregated communities, schools, churches, skillsmanship, professions and businesses-- Negro educators, athletes, politicians, community and civil rights leaders.

             The Society's goal is to build a stronger sense of community pride by working jointly with communities and organizations throughout the County on various historical projects and in assisting them with preserving their own individual community history. The Society also offers public service in the areas of research, education, training, community outreach, economic and community development, health education, family history, mentoring, cultural diversity and historic preservation.
     

    Maryland Historical Trust  [Return to list at top]
    100 Community Place
    Crownsville, MD 21032-2033
    www.marylandhistoricaltrust.net
     
     

    Montgomery County History Consortium  [Return to list at top]
    P.O. Box 4182
    Rockville, MD 20849-4182
    Attn: Ken Rucker
    301-384-6352
     

    Montgomery County Historical Society  [Return to list at top]
    111 West Montgomery Ave.
    Rockville, MD 20850
    Attn: Mary Kay Harper
    301-340-2825
    www.montgomeryhistory.org/


    Montgomery Preservation, Inc.  [Return to list at top]
    P.O. Box 4661
    Rockville, Maryland 20849

            Montgomery Preservation, the Montgomery County affiliate of the Maryland Historical Trust, acts as a grass roots coalition of local historical and preservation organizations. Its objectives are to preserve the historic buildings, objects, and spaces of Montgomery County; to promote historical, archaeological, and architectural research and education; and to encourage citizen participation in activities which lead to these goals. MPI sponsors the annual ceremony for the presentation of awards for historic preservation during Preservation Week and presents the prestigious Montgomery Prize and other awards to recognize the efforts of county residents. MPI meets once each month in different parts of the county to exchange ideas and discuss matters of ongoing interest.
     

    National Capital Trolley Museum  [Return to list at top]
    1313 Bonifant Rd.
    Silver Spring, MD 20905
    301-384-6088
    www.dctrolley.org/
     

    Peerless Rockville Historic Preservation Ltd. [Return to list at top]
    P.O. Box 4262
    Rockville, MD 20849-4262
    301-762-0096
    www.peerlessrockville.org


    Sandy Spring Museum[Return to list at top]
    17901 Bentley Rd.
    Sandy Spring, MD 20860
    http://www.sandyspringmuseum.com

            The Sandy Spring Museum is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4:00 PM. The Museum is closed on Tuesday and Friday.
     

    Save Our Seminary at Forest Glen  [Return to list at top]
    P.O. Box 8274
    Silver Spring, MD 20907
    301-495-9079
    www.saveourseminary.org/

            National Park Seminary was built in 1887 as a hotel and was sold in 1894 to John and Vesta Cassedy, who converted the hotel to a school of higher learning for young women. The Cassedys added several buildings to the site which represented architectural, geographic, and historic diversity. Most of these buildings exist today, and include a Japanese pagoda, a Swiss chalet, an English castle, a Dutch windmill, a Spanish-style mission, and an American bungalow. The gymnasium and theater were created in the Greek Revival style, and a dormitory reflects the style of an Italian villa. The gardens are graced with statues, elaborate bridges and walkways, and a large fountain. The U.S. Army acquired the campus under condemnation proceedings and used it as a hospital for recuperating servicemen. In the 1970s, the original National Park Seminary buildings and grounds were placed on the National Register as a historic district. Maintenance and repair impose a heavy financial burden on the Walter Reed Army Medical Center so that the buildings are in constant need of attention.

            The mission of Save Our Seminary at Forest Glen is to preserve the site, communicate its history, and guide its future. SOS works to preserve, protect, and restore the buildings, structures, objects, and landscape of the site and its environs; communicate the history and unique character of the site through research, documentation, interpretation, and instruction; increase public awareness and support; and determine appropriate use and care for the site and ensure continued public access and benefit. SOS is undertaking the restoration of the Pagoda, and conducts spring and fall cleanups of the site. A pictorial history has recently been published, and is available from the organization. SOS is also actively planning for the future since the Army plans to dispose of the site in 2000.

            Guided walking tours of the historic district are provided on the fourth Saturday of each month from March through November at 1:00 PM. Each tour takes about two hours, and a $5.00 donation is requested. Park in the parking lot on Linden Lane near the Woodstock Avenue intersection, at the Forest Glen section of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
     

    Silver Spring Historical Society  [Return to list at top]
    Attn: Jerry A. McCoy, President
    P.O. Box 1160
    Silver Spring, MD 20910
    301-565-2519
    Email: sshistory@yahoo.com
    www.homestead.com/silverspringhistory
     

    Sugarloaf Regional Trails  [Return to list at top]
    Attn: Margaret Coleman
    16112 Barnesville Road
    Boyds, MD 20841-9282
    301-972-3452

            Sugarloaf Regional Trails (SRT) is a non-profit corporation focused on the conservation of natural resources and historic preservation. In 1981 SRT staff and volunteers researched and wrote the Master Plan for Historic Preservation in Montgomery County, Maryland. The group also wrote and published Circling Historic Landscapes, a history and description of roads, rails, paths and trails near Sugarloaf Mountain, which was updated and re-edited in 1999.
     

    Warren Historic Site[Return to list at top]
    P.O. Box 44
    Poolesville, MD 20837
    410-841-6863

            The Warren Historic Site Committee, Inc., is a non-profit organization established to achieve the preservation and restoration of three major historical buildings located on the site of the Warren United Methodist Church in Upper Western Montgomery County. These buildings served as the nucleus of a small rural African-American community known as Martinsburg, which flourished after the end of the Civil War. They are: Warren Methodist Episcopal Church, Martinsburg Negro School, and Charity Lodge Hall. Please help restore this site by becoming a member of WHSC and making a tax-deductible donation in support of the restoration of the Warren historic site.



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