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.
Historic Carousel Returns As Ovid Hazen Wells Park Reopens
Montgomery Parks celebrated the grand reopening of Ovid Hazen Wells Recreational Park on Saturday following the completion of major renovations at the 290-acre park in Clarksburg.
The future has cows: Why neighbors know this 1930s Art Deco house in Bethesda
In 1938, NBC wanted to build the home of the future in Bethesda, Maryland. Ninety years later, it’s still standing.
The house, with its white-painted brick and unique geometric outline, sits on Massachusetts Avenue, just steps away from the D.C. line.
Fourteen years ago, when Rado Ivanov and his wife bought the house, the couple had no idea of the house’s history.
Countdown to #FreedomWalk2026
#FreedomWalk2026 is a modern-day retracing of the Underground Railroad to Canada, on the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.
The 750-mile pilgrimage, following 19th-century routes to freedom, will commemorate the brave self-liberators, the abolitionists, and their secret networks, during the 250th anniversary of American independence. The journey will draw upon the legacy and achievements of previous generations to galvanize modern activists to work toward truth-telling and transformation.
Maryland General Assembly Unanimously Passes Cemetery Protection Legislation
Updated on May 13
This year, MPI teamed with other advocates to address cemetery issues in the Maryland General Assembly. Without budget or paid staff but with determination, passion, and patience, Maryland Cemetery Legislative Advocates drafted bills that were revised by legislative staff, heard in committees, and ultimately revised to secure a compromise that will improve the future for Maryland burial sites. Victories this year and last were certainly worth years of planning and convincing. Senators and Delegates listened to compelling testimony and put in place a better structure to protect abandoned cemeteries and descendants, even as we recognized that a bill requiring money was not likely to pass in today’s climate.
SB233 provides a process to protect descendant rights and abandoned cemeteries plus direction to courts in case of sale or transfer. It enables government to acquire an abandoned cemetery and convey ownership to descendants or a nonprofit that will properly maintain and protect it.
MPI appreciates the sponsors and fighters for these bills. With initiation of a Comprehensive Inventory and Database of all Maryland Cemeteries and creation of a fund for Abandoned cemeteries, this is true progress. You can read the report of the Comprehensive Inventory and Database Workgroup — with detailed recommendations — at the Coalition to Protect Maryland Burial Sites’ website.
Read the final SB233 that was signed by Governor Moore on May 12 and will go into effect on October 1, 2026.