Per Montgomery History:
More than 77,000 pages from 1,575 issues of The Montgomery Gazette and other local newspapers have been digitized and are now available for viewing at the Jane C. Sween Library in Rockville due to the preservation efforts of Montgomery History. The project was made possible as part of the success of Montgomery History’s New Life for Old News campaign. It raised the funds necessary to make the papers accessible and preserved for posterity.
The Jane C. Sween Research Library and Special Collections is located at the Beall-Dawson Historical Park in Downtown Rockville. Named in honor of its first librarian, Jane C. Sween, the library supports Montgomery History’s mission to collect, preserve, interpret and share the history of the County.
The pages now available at the Sween Research Library include:
- The Gazette. 1960-65, 1977-86 (Papers from 1966-76 are no longer available).
- The County Courier. 1973-81. (Purchased by The Gazette in 1981).
- The Olney Courier-Gazette. 1981-86 (Merger following purchase, covering Olney area news).
- The Sentinel. 1964-69. (Issues from 1855-1963 are provided on Chronicling America, through the Library of Congress. See our tutorial for searching The Sentinel).
This is the first time mid- to late 20th Century Gazettes and other local newspapers are available digitally. The papers had been in storage for more than a decade and were completely inaccessible to researchers or the public. Many of the issues began to deteriorate while in storage due to the poor-quality paper on which they were printed at the time.
The completion of this phase of digitization ensures that the resources, which provide some of the best coverage of the people and events that shaped the County’s history, will be available for generations to come. The next phase of the campaign, scheduled to begin in early 2023, will focus on digitizing issues from the latter part of the 1980s.
The now-available newspapers date from 1960 to 1986 and cover topics of particular interest including politics, education, local entertainment, high school sports, community events, wedding and engagement announcements, obituaries, advertisements for now defunct popular businesses and the rapid pace of suburbanization during those decades.
The New Life for Old News campaign was launched in April 2021 to celebrate the memory of former Montgomery History Executive Director Mary Kay Harper, who had recently passed away. Acquiring all the hard copies of the Gazette was one of the last initiatives Harper undertook before she retired in 2008.
Access to the digitized issues of the Gazette is available by appointment during regular research hours Wednesday through Friday at the Jane C. Sween Library. Visit MontgomeryHistory.org/montgomery-county-newspapers to find out how to view the digitized newspapers and to learn more about the project.
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17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Now in its 17th year, the Kensington Day of the Book Festival is a family-friendly street festival featuring 150+ renowned authors, poets, and literary organizations. Enjoy live music on five stages, special guest speakers, military veteran writers and comedians, poetry readings, cookbook demos, children's program, and much more.
Admission is free, and attendees will also be able to explore a marketplace of books and food offerings from local vendors.
Not your average book festival! This festival offers something for everyone!
17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 11am-4pm (held rain or shine!)
Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895
www.dayofthebook.com
Instagram: @kensingtonbookfestival
Contact: Elisenda Sola-Sole, Festival Director
301-949-9416 (text preferred)
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
