I was doing some genealogical work in Montgomery County and got so carried away in Brookeville that I arrived at the Historical Society in Rockeville right at 4 pm. The door was unlocked, so I walked in and the staff person closing things up stayed for 10-15 extra minutes to show me how to use the Maryland Land Record locator files on the internet. I thanked her for the extra effort, went to my hotel and immediately found 6-7 previously unknown (to me) documents which I never would have found without that extra bit of effort on her part. I highly recommend the good people there!!

It was Tuesday and I didn't know they are open only from Wednesday through Sunday until 4 PM. (I was on the website expecting to see their hours but didn't-so I'm hoping they will improve on that. I telephoned and got the automated which mentioned that the administrative office was open until 5 o'clock so I figured that was good enough and went). They were exceptionally kind because outside the building was a young man leaving. He identified himself as an intern. I told him my plight so he found the person in charge – Laura Riese- and because I couldn't come back, they BOTH took me on a private tour. It was an honor and I learned about that special Beal house and something I wonder how many people know: in Maryland the slaves were not freed until two years AFTER the Civil War. Maryland was part of the union, and prior to the Civil War their slaves were educated and treated apparently quite a bit better (or at least differently) than the southern slaves though not free to come and go. I bought two interesting highly researched books while there: *The saga of an African Muslim American family in Georgetown that went From Slave Ship to Harvard, with a portrait of Yarrow Mamout by Charles Willson Peale. * Lilly Stone which contains family records, letters, and pictures describing the life and the divided loyalties of those living close to the Potomac during the Civil War and the period of recovery and expansion in the 1880s. She open a quarry at the age of 63; and ultimately founded the Montgomery County Historical Society at age 82. When they finished my tour they suggested I walk through the adjacent small well labeled medicinal garden which was in full bloom. I delighted in seeing all the medicines that were used in those days.

Lots to learn about. Get under the hood of Montgomery County's origins and history from its first settlement, human slavery, the civil war though the 20th century. The history is not necessarily unique to Montgomery County, with its proximity to Washington, DC but a real insight into small town rural life. Much more than a passive display of artifacts. Be sure to take the docent tours. We had a very knowledgeable explanation of fabric/ clothing preservation, Furniture construction, and the operation of a 19th century medical practice. Nicely situated in a park like area close to new downtown Rockville. Worth more than a few hours.

Interesting visit and way to learn about local history. Things are well preserved and the docent was very engaged.

Visited the Beall-Dawson House to see an exhibit of 1920's flapper era clothes (Cocktails, Lipstick & Jazz) and other items. It was a small collection, but well curated and it was fun to see real clothes that people actually wore during the era portrayed in Downton Abbey. The docent on duty gave us a detailed history of the house, its residents, and the era. The Stonestreet museum also on the property was the office of a doctor who served in the Civil War and died in 1903. Worth a stop if you are in the area.