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History Conversations Montgomery County, Then and Now: A Conversation on Recreating the Historical Photographs of Lewis Reed

with Jeanne Gartner, Barry Gartner, and Sarah Hedlund

Join the creators of Montgomery History’s upcoming online exhibit, “Montgomery County, Then and Now: Photography of Lewis Reed and Barry Gartner” as they discuss the fascinating process of recreating historical photographs. In the early 1900s, photographer Lewis Reed captured hundreds of images throughout Montgomery County, featuring iconic structures, streetscapes, homes, and towns. 100 years later, two of Reed’s grandchildren have partnered with archivist Sarah Hedlund to exhibit Reed’s images in a unique way. Working with his sister, Jeanne Gartner, who is the custodian of their grandfather’s treasure trove of photographic images, photographer Barry Gartner has been recreating his grandfather’s pictures in modern-day Montgomery County. The exhibit will present the pairs of photos side by side, illustrating in some cases timeless constancy and in many cases radical change. In this presentation, Sarah will talk with Jeanne and Barry about how this project was conceived and executed, providing historical context and behind-the-scenes stories about creating this new online exhibit—which will soon be available for you to explore!

Tuesday, December 5 at 2:00 p.m.

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Annual Fund Donate to the Annual Fund Today!

Montgomery History’s 2023 Annual Fund campaign—The Past is Personal—is officially underway! Your donation will celebrate the life-changing power of history. Every gift, no matter the size, can make a huge difference. Demonstrate your commitment to Montgomery County’s future by making an investment in local history.

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Online Exhibit The Immigrant Experience in Montgomery County

Today, more than 35% of the county’s residents are foreign born and even more speak at least one language besides English. Montgomery County has become one of the most diverse counties in the United States. This exhibit, created in partnership with Montgomery College’s Department of Anthropology, explores more than 200 years of immigration history and presents dozens of immigrant stories.

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Montgomery County Story Current Issue In Slavery’s Shadow: Surveying Montgomery County Public School Names

Our most recent issue by Ralph Buglass features the history of school naming (and renaming) in Montgomery County. Historical documentation shows the following individuals for whom seven current MCPS schools are named were also enslavers: Montgomery Blair, Francis Scott Key, Zadok Magruder, Richard Montgomery, John Poole, Julius West, and Thomas Sprigg Wootton. Included are biographical snapshots of the seven school namesakes, contextual background on slavery in Montgomery County, a general survey on the naming (and previous renamings) of Montgomery County’s public schools through the years, and a brief roundup of other recent area renamings stemming from increased scrutiny of past racism.

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