The King Barn Dairy MOOseum Barn at South Germantown Recreational Park (18028 Central Park Circle) is now open for the season. Visitors can explore the MOOseum on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through October. Admission is free for individual visitors and families on regular open days.
The MOOseum Barn offers a comprehensive exploration of dairy heritage. Visitors begin at the center with maps and brochures introducing the grounds and exhibits, and proceed to view collections of artifacts and equipment essential to the production, processing, and sale of milk and dairy products. Displays include demonstrations on dairy herds, milking practices, cream separation, and the crafting of butter, ice cream, and cheese.
A dedicated research room and library provide access to related videos, publications, and oral histories from local dairying professionals. The MOOseum also hosts educational programs for all ages—with a special focus on introducing children to the story of milk production– and special events featuring live animals, interactive storytelling, and hands-on demonstrations.
History of the Farm: “In 1913 James and Macie King purchased a 350 acre farm in between Germantown and Boyds, Maryland from the Lyddane family, and moved in shortly after their marriage. Over time, as their family grew, the farm flourished as part of the dairy boom that brought wealth to Montgomery County in the Twentieth Century.
The majority of buildings that were part of the original farm were lost in a disastrous fire in 1926. It consumed the farm-site, including an 18th century wood-frame pegged bank barn, a 19th century farmhouse, and three tenant houses. In all, thirteen buildings were destroyed. Rebuilding began almost immediately, with James and Macie building a modern four-square home, followed by a bank barn and added other outbuildings. Finally, in 1930, a cement block, 72 stanchion dairy barn, considered “state of the art” in its day, was constructed. Following the death of James King in 1958, Mrs. King and her son briefly managed the farm before finally selling it in 1962.
The farm was eventually purchased by Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission. The land and farmstead were by that time part of a larger parcel being set aside as green space on the edge of the County’s new Agricultural Reserve. In 1999, with the encouragement and financial assistance of corporate and individual supporters of youth soccer programs, the land was finally developed by the Montgomery County Department of Parks into the South Germantown Recreational Park and Maryland Soccerplex.
The farm buildings had deteriorated over the years. The house and other buildings were in disrepair and slated for demolition. The large dairy barn, although damaged, was solidly built and through citizen efforts it was preserved as a meaningful landmark reminding visitors to the park of the area’s dairy heritage. The exterior restoration, which included the construction of new replicas of the original silos, was completed and the official “Topping Off” ceremony was held in January 2001 as the new concrete silo covers were lifted into place by a huge crane.
In late June of 2010 the first visitors were invited into the Barn. On October 23, 2010 the MOOseum celebrated it’s opening season with an Official Ribbon Cutting Celebration.”