For Immediate Release:

June 21, 2010

For further information contact:
Debbie Heibein Rankin
Executive Director, Montgomery County Historical Society
drankin@montgomeryhistory.org
www.montgomeryhistory.org
301-340-2825

Montgomery County Historical Society closes the Waters House History Center, Germantown, MD

Rockville, MD- the Montgomery County Historical Society (MCHS) will close the Waters House History Center to the public on June 30, 2010.  MCHS has utilized the Waters House since 2001 through an agreement with the property owner, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). 

In 1990, the land surrounding the farmhouse was developed and the historic property and buildings were saved and renovated as a community amenity.  The Waters House Barn was once considered a potential site for an up-county visitor's center.  However suburban development surrounding the property, including the construction of an elementary school, significantly changed the view-shed of the historic property.         

The decision to terminate operations at the Waters House was made by the Board of Directors of MCHS as a direct result of the declining economy.  The Montgomery County Historical Society continues to experience unprecedented reductions in funding and support at all levels including a decrease in direct county funding of 50% in fiscal year 2011. 

"The board recognized the on-going financial liability to the organization in caring for these buildings," commented Jack Devine, President of the Board.  "In an economy such as this, it is critical non-profit organizations such as the Montgomery County Historical Society adhere to their core mission.  Making difficult decisions is sadly part of the current reality.  MCHS will remain focused on preserving and interpreting the rich history of the county".

The Waters House History Center provided MCHS with additional exhibit space, collection storage, an adjunct library as well as providing office space to several other non-profit organizations.   

Built in the 1790's , the Waters House was modernized in a Victorian Italianate style in the 1800's  and was home to the Waters family for more than a century on a 800 acre farm known as Pleasant Fields.  The grounds today consist of the house, a bank barn, a carriage house and a corn crib. 

The Montgomery County Historical Society will continue to operate its Rockville campus which includes the Beall Dawson House, The Stonestreet Museum of 19^th Century Medicine, The Jane Sween Library and the administrative buildings.