Mary Kay Harper Center for Suburban Studies
The Mary Kay Harper Center for Suburban Studies of Montgomery History preserves Montgomery County’s suburban history, brings a scholarly focus to its study, provides access to primary and secondary sources, and sponsors activities to interpret and communicate this history to residents and scholars.
To learn more about the Center for Suburban Studies, visit our resources at right or explore the online exhibits below
Late 20th Century Suburbanization
A New Era: Montgomery County in the 1990s
Montgomery County faced new and recurring challenges in the 1990s. Elected officials, community activists, business leaders, county agencies, and residents worked together or independently to implement effective responses. In some cases, the County’s response to a challenge and the positive results achieved have been studied by cities, counties, and communities facing similar challenges. This online exhibit tells the story of Montgomery County during that decade using in-depth research, photographs, reports, maps, charts, and newspaper headlines. Noteworthy events, accomplishments, new programs, challenges, and responses are discussed.
curated by Tommy Gartman and Bob Bachman (Center for Suburban Studies)
opened summer 2024
Suburbanization during the 1950s
How Montgomery County Grew in the 1950s
The Mary Kay Harper Center for Suburban Studies of Montgomery History presents this online exhibition outlining the key factors unique to Montgomery County, as well as unique to the Washington, D.C. area and the nation in general, that led to the unprecedented suburban growth in our county during this ten-year period. This exhibit was originally launched in conjunction with “BOOM: the 1950s in Montgomery County,” a 2018 program of exhibits and events organized by Montgomery History.
Opened April 27, 2018; updated May 5, 2021
Curated by Bob Bachman, Chair, Mary Kay Harper Center for Suburban Studies
Shopping in Montgomery County in the 1950s
The Mary Kay Harper Center for Suburban Studies of Montgomery History presents this online exhibition describing the unique shopping culture that grew in Montgomery County during this ten-year period, including the development of suburban department stores and neighborhood shopping centers which eventually lead to the birth of the suburban shopping mall. This exhibit was originally launched in conjunction with “BOOM: the 1950s in Montgomery County,” a 2018 program of exhibits and events organized by Montgomery History.
Opened April 27, 2018
Developed and written by Sarah Hedlund; Curated by Bob Bachman, Chair, Mary Kay Harper Center for Suburban Studies
The 1950s Housing Boom in Montgomery County
The Mary Kay Harper Center for Suburban Studies of Montgomery History presents this online exhibition exploring the housing boom that altered the face of the county, as well as the nation, during this pivotal decade. The exhibit provides a comprehensive overview of the 1950s architecture, neighborhoods, and builders accompanied by dozens of images and photographs. Whether you are motivated by nostalgia or are just curious about the county’s built environment, you will enjoy perusing this exhibit at your leisure.
Opened May 11, 2020; updated May, 2021
Curated by Bob Bachman, Chair, Mary Kay Harper Center for Suburban Studies