Monthly Archives: June 2026

MPI’s COMSAT Response, New Officers, Upcoming Events

Our Unimaginable Loss: COMSAT Laboratories Building, Clarksburg

This article chronicles the life and demise of a singular building that represented a nation’s promise within our country’s 20th-century history. It is a love story, a precautionary tale, and a challenge. It is a testament to the power of place and the knowledge that once a building is gone, it is gone forever.

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MPI Welcomed New Officers at Annual Meeting

At our May 3rd Annual Meeting, Montgomery Preservation celebrated ongoing efforts to save historic buildings, host preservation programs, fund preservation action, and support local preservation groups.

All enjoyed touring the newly rehabilitated historic Germantown Bank, hearing from Laura Anderson Wright, President of Heritage Montgomery, and discussing upcoming, county-wide events and opportunities, along with informal conversations, a raffle, and refreshments.

The nominations of Karen Burditt for President, Mark Edwards for Vice-President of Outreach, and Nancy Pickard for Treasurer were unanimously approved and Rebecca L. Stevens has joined as an At-Large member.

Silver Spring B&O Station Open Houses: June and August

8100 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Ongoing activities: train spotting, a model train layout, a toy train play set, plus photos and memorabilia of the railroad’s glory days and historic Silver Spring

Heritage Marker Dedication and June Open House

Saturday, June 27 from 11 am to 4 pm

MPI is joining in the fun and opening our doors during the annual Heritage Days weekend. Special Features: Dedication of Silver Spring B&O Station Heritage Marker at 11 am plus Storyteller Jane Dorfman at 12:30 pm.

August Open House Featuring The Foleys’ Irish Band

Saturday, August 1 from 10 am to 2 pm

Neil Foley carries on the tradition of Irish Folk and Fiddle music. He grew up in Limerick and has toured and played for more than 4 decades. He enjoys playing private events with his son, Con, a guitarist and drummer. The Foleys stay true to the Celtic music that can be heard in Irish sessions across the world.  Showtimes: 11 am and 12:30 pm

Montgomery County’s 250th Celebration Activities

Check out our Events page for info re: celebrating Montgomery County’s 250th, featuring preservation and history programs, exhibits, and events all around the County.

HPC Supports Reynolds House Historic Designation at May 2026 Session

Advocates who for years have requested recognition of the Edwin C. and Julia Reynolds house on Willard Avenue in Chevy Chase were pleased by the HPC’s unanimous recommendation in favor of designation on May 27, 2026. The Queen Anne-style house is one of the oldest buildings in the area, the only house that stood along the Glen Echo Railroad, and has experienced few changes since 1899. Individuals and families who lived here were civil servants, engineers, and surveyors associated with the development of Chevy Chase. It is located in a public park.

Multiple letters of support were sent to the HPC, and a strong group of people testified in person. Read MPI’s letter of support. The only opposition to this nomination was Montgomery Parks, owners of the property. The HPC is only the first step; part of the Friendship Heights Sector Plan Update process, the designation will also be considered by the Planning Board and then the County Council, which makes the final decision.

Montgomery County Burial Sites Inventory at Seven Years

Montgomery Planning Archaeologist Brian Crane reported on his recent year’s work to the Planning Board at its May 28, 2026, meeting. The report included updates to the Burial Sites Inventory, explanation of the Historic Context project, outreach to the community, and plans for the upcoming year. He noted that 48 sites have been added to the inventory since 2019, discussed how new State law might affect County sites, and answered questions from interested Commissioners. Read his written report.

Continuing MPI’s tradition of commenting on this annual report, President Eileen McGuckian touched on State legislation in the 2025 and 2026 General Assemblies and specifics about five African American burial sites. She presented specific suggestions that she categorized as Identification, Inclusion, Protection, and Outreach. Read her comments.

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