Why Do So Many Trees Look Like This Right Now? We Have the Answer– and It’s Cicadas
Have you noticed trees with clusters of brown leaves? This is known as branch flagging, and it’s happening to a lot of trees in our area right now.
Why is this happening? The Brood X cicadas were out and about in our area recently. When the female cicadas laid their eggs, they cut small slits into tree branches and deposited their eggs inside these slits. The branches that have eggs inside have started to wilt and their leaves have turned brown.
Only the branches that have eggs in them have been affected– they will eventually fall off, leaving healthy branches behind and the rest of the tree unharmed. Trees that are very young or delicate might not survive after this, but most trees will be fine.
Branch flagging can sometimes be caused by other pests such as scales, fungus, or other insects. In these instances, an increasing number of branches will start to show signs of flagging, and treatment may be required in order to keep the tree healthy. However, if the flagging is caused by cicadas no treatment for the tree is needed.
By: Michelle Katz @pike.and.rozay
Montgomery County Considering Plans For a Green Cemetery
A green cemetery could be coming to 16621 New Hampshire Ave in Silver Spring. WTOP reports that the natural burial site named Reflection Park is currently going through the county’s approval process.
According to their website, Reflection Park is a non-profit multi-faith natural burial ground that will feature trails and meditation spaces, “which will allow visitors to hike through the park’s natural landscapes and reflect upon the cycle of life, death, and renewal”.
From Funerals.org:
”Green (or natural) burial emphasizes simplicity and environmental sustainability. The body is neither cremated nor prepared with chemicals such as embalming fluids. It is simply placed in a biodegradable coffin or shroud and interred without a concrete burial vault. The grave site is allowed to return to nature. The goal is complete decomposition of the body and its natural return to the soil. Only then can a burial truly be “ashes to ashes, dust to dust,” a phrase so often used when we bury our dead.”
WTOP is also reporting that burials will cost around $3,500.
Montgomery County Public Libraries Launches Brainfuse Services
Per Montgomery County:
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, June 29, 2021
Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) has launched Brainfuse’s HelpNow, JobNow and VetNow online services. A library card is needed to access the services.
“We are so excited to be able to offer this array of resources,” said MCPL Director Anita Vassallo. “These are extremely important services that will help provide assistance to countless members of our community.”
- HelpNow – A unique tutoring and study suite designed for customers of all ages.
- On-Demand One-to-One Online Homework
- Comprehensive Writing Assistance
- Homework Tools
- Online Classroom
- LEAP Learning Platform
- The Adult Learning Center
- JobNow – A suite of services and powerful tools to help users in every step of their job search.
- Resume Assistance
- Career Planning
- Interview Preparation
- Adult Learning Center
- VetNow– Benefits, career, and academic assistance support for Veterans.
- Live Benefits Navigator
- Job Tools
- College Skills
MoCo Mom Bloggers and Virtual Tastemakers and Why We Love Them
By Zeina Davis ([email protected])
Local moms are doing big things right here in Montgomery County. We would like to share a few of our trend setters and trail blazers that have hit our radar below. Like traffic on 355, these ladies are here to stay.
Mimi Markopoulos | Life on a Crosscutway
Mimi hails from Damascus, Maryland where she resides with her husband and two daughters. Her husband owns the local treasure, Nick’s Diner in Wheaton. Mimi focuses her content on DIY and home making. Her elegant style and fun DIY’s will help you become a pinterest queen.
Blog: https://www.lifeoncrosscutway.com/
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Colleen and Jen | Adventure Moms DC
This local dynamic duo gives amazing advice on what to do in and around DC with specific guides curated for families.
Website: https://www.adventuremomsdc.com/
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Yolande Kelly | Life Style IG Influencer, Blogger and Event Planner
Yolande hails from Brookeville, MD with her husband and two children. She focuses on stylish and approachable fashion, family life and all things events.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CP9ZIvzBr76/
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Courtney Whittington | Founder, DC Moms Collective
Courtney’s DC Moms Collective is so much more than a blog. This group of mom contributors range from SAHM’s (stay at home mom’s) to small business owners, local pediatricians and more. They have wonderful guides for camp, schools, doctors offices and parks as well as beautifully written essays and blogs that speak to all moms.
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Leticia Barr | Tech Savvy Mama
This local mama is an award-winning technology, education, and parenting blogger who teaches middle school computer science. She combines her knowledge of child development, psychology, education, tech and parenting to provide useful advice for families about the digital parenting topics.*
*Overview reformatted from techsavvymama.com
Website: https://techsavvymama.com/
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Jenna Levine Liu | Sixx Cool Moms
Jenna lives in Germantown with her husband and 20 month old and is the founder of the now National, Sixx Cool Moms. Sixx Cool Moms began with a private facebook group called Cool Moms of Montgomery County which is, in and of itself, a wonderful community of local moms who aren’t afraid to be real (see full list of FB mom groups below). It has now grown nationally and includes a website and blog, which features many local businesses in Montgomery County like this: https://coolmomsusa.com/jennas-first-time-aerial-yoga/?fbclid=IwAR16oNNAuQqMPFi0-TBerKPxyBjpNM0Vv7qvIDnaQE7PZZZLmv3PfywA6gQ
Website/Blog: www.Coolmomsusa.com
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Vanessa with This Joyful Life
Vanessa lives with her family in Rockville, MD and focuses on family, wellness, travel and beauty.
Website: https://thisjoyfullife.org/
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Brianne Izzo | Cupcakes and Kale Chips
Brianne Izzo is a chemical engineer turned chef. This local mom specializes in providing both regular and gluten free meals that balance health and flavor.
A couple more local moms doing cool stuff!
https://sunshinewhispers.com/things-to-do-in-maryland-with-kids/
https://www.instagram.com/squeakcity_dc/
Are you a local mom with a (non-mlm) small business or blog? We want to hear from you! Email [email protected] and put: MoCo Mom in the title with links to your business.
Local Mom Facebook Groups
Whether you are looking for a new pediatrician or a new friend, these groups are a wonderful space for local moms. Please note: these are private groups moderated by volunteers. You must request permission to join and fit their criteria.
Bethesda Rockville Potomac Gaithersburg Moms
https://www.facebook.com/groups/112745472394126/
Bethesda Potomac Rockville Moms
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BethesdaPotomacRockvilleMoms/
North Potomac, Darnestown, Gaithersburg Germantown Moms
https://www.facebook.com/groups/369262356818879/
No Excuse Mom Montgomery County (Fitness Related)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/noexcusemommontgomerycounty/about
Cool Moms of Montgomery County (Featured Above)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/coolmomsofmoco/
Clarksburg Moms Club
https://www.facebook.com/groups/124947010895344
About Zeina:
Zeina Davis is a local Marketing Specialist and Writer in Gaithersburg, MD where she resides with her two children and husband. To connect with her please email [email protected].
Noyes Library for Young Children to Reopen on July 6
Per MCPL:
For Immediate Release: Friday, May 28, 2021
Montgomery County Public Libraries’ (MCPL) Noyes Library for Young Children, 10237 Carroll Place, Kensington, will reopen to the public on July 6. The service hours are:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday – 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday – Closed
Saturday – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
“We are so pleased to be able to reopen our Noyes branch,” said MCPL Director Anita Vassallo. “This tiny library has an enormous impact on the County’s youngest residents, offering books, programs and a warm, inviting space specifically for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.”
On July 6, all MCPL branches will have reopened to the public with the exception of Germantown Library, which is currently closed for a refresh project.
Reopening schedule:
June 1
Connie Morella Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda
Gaithersburg Library, 18330 Montgomery Village Ave.
Marilyn J. Praisner Library, 14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville
Olney Library, 3500 Olney-Laytonsville Road
Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Ave.
Silver Spring Library, 900 Wayne Ave.
June 14
Aspen Hill Library; 4407 Aspen Hill Road, Rockville
Damascus Library; 9701 Main Street, Damascus
Davis Library; 6400 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda
Little Falls Library; 5501 Massachusetts Ave., Bethesda
Long Branch Library; 8800 Garland Ave., Silver Spring
Potomac Library; 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac
Quince Orchard Library; 15831 Quince Orchard Road, Gaithersburg
July 6
Chevy Chase; 8005 Connecticut Ave., Chevy Chase
Kensington Park; 4201 Knowles Ave., Kensington
Maggie Nightingale; 19633 Fisher Avenue, Poolesville
Noyes Library for Young Children; 10237 Carroll Place, Kensington
Twinbrook; 202 Meadow Hall Drive, Rockville
Wheaton; 11701 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring
White Oak; 11701 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring
The Top 10 North Bethesda/Rockville Restaurants According to Our Writer @Pike.and.rozay
While there may be some debate over what to call the area surrounding Pike & Rose, our writer pike.and.rozay feels that there is no debate over which are her favorite restaurants in that area!
Check out her thoughts on the best local (non-chain) restaurants in the North Bethesda/ Rockville neighborhood and let us know below if you agree with her!
10. Ema Rossi (in Rock Creek Village Center off of Norbeck Rd)— All of their pizzas have a unique and thoughtful combo of toppings, there’s something for everyone here! One of the things that makes this place so special is how genuinely excited all the staff are about the food that they make. If you love learning about how everything is made, this is the place for you. My favorite dishes: Di Mare pasta and Patate- Pizza with roasted potato, mortadella, mozzarella, herb ricotta, pistachios.
9. Bangkok Garden (In Wintergreen Plaza off of 355)— Delicious Thai street food! Every bite is full of flavor, I’ve never had anything mediocre there. They also offer a “secret Thai” menu with dishes such as Koi (raw beef salad) and Gang Som Cha Oom– described as “Thai Style Sour Curry with fried eggs infused with Acacia Leaves and Shrimp”. My favorite dishes– Drunken fried rice, Kanom Jeeb— pork and crabmeat dumplings
8. Owen’s Ordinary (in Pike & Rose)— Way more than your average biergarten. They offer traditional bar bites like nachos and wings, but their new chef has created some really craveable seasonal specials too! Love their outdoor dining area as well. My favorite items– Bacon wrapped dates, Salmon with quinoa.
7. The Block (in Pike & Rose) — Technically a food hall made of several amazing restaurants (Little Miner Taco, Anh-mazing Viet Kitchen, Kyoto Matcha, just to name a few). I love the Block because there’s something for everyone! You can order apps at one stall, entrees at another, and dessert from somewhere else all in one place. The food at each stall is unique, the decor is highly a e s t h e t i c, and it’s fun that there’s a bar in the middle of it all.
6. Bob’s Shanghai 66 (off of North Washington street near Rockville town center)— You might know and love Bob’s for their xiaolongbao (dumplings filled with soup and meatballs, also known as XLB or soup dumplings), but really everything is excellent. All of the dishes taste handmade and you can tell they’ve put a lot of time into perfecting their recipes. Fun fact: They were cash only for YEARS but now accept venmo and will let you prepay with credit card for pick up orders. Favorite dishes– Salt & pepper flounder, vegetable dumplings.
5. Kusshi (in Pike & Rose)— Before the pandemic, Kusshi was both the place to have an elegant evening of sushi and the place to have a night of fun. They would often have samples of different Japanese alcohols and have dance parties with DJs. Since the pandemic hit, they have switched things up and now offer a huge range of Japanese snacks– these set Kusshi apart and make it a fun destination! My favorite dishes– Fried shumai, spicy tuna roll (add avocado and mango– not technically on the menu, but sometimes they’ll do it if you ask nicely).
4. Ize’s (across from Pike & Rose, on the opposite side of Old Georgetown)— The BEST bagels south of New York (in my opinion). The bagels are perfectly sized and have just the right texture. Ize’s is a well-oiled machine and they move quickly, make sure to know your order BEFORE you get in line. Favorite dish– plain bagel (untoasted) with veggie cream cheese and a side of white fish salad.
3. La Limeña Grill (off of 355 across from Best Buy)– Mouthwatering Peruvian food. They have a huge list of seafood-forward appetizers (including ceviche). This is one restaurant where I consistently order the same thing every time because it’s so good: Pescado a lo Macho– fried fresh tilapia topped with a blend of seafood and special sauce, served with rice and crispy potatoes. No idea what’s in their secret sauce, but you can tell how much love and care they put into making it.
2. Julii (in Pike & Rose) — A night (or brunch) out at Julii feels like you’re on vacation. The French-Mediterranean food is both beautiful and delicious. They also have a great range of gorgeous cocktails and an excellent brunch menu. My favorite dishes– Scallops risotto, French onion soup, L’omelette Lobster.
1. Commonwealth Indian (in Pike & Rose) — Commonwealth is my number one favorite– I love Indian food to begin with, but the fine dining twists from Commonwealth really take everything to another level. It’s one of the most luxurious spots in the area and is the perfect place to go when you’re looking to treat yourself or celebrate a special occasion! My favorite dishes– Yellow crab curry, Tandoori octopus, Spinach mango chat
By: Michelle Katz @pike.and.rozay
Want to Eat a Cicada? Some DMV Area Spots Are Giving You That Option!
You may have seen (and heard) the Brood X cicadas that recently emerged. Cicadas are edible, and some local businesses have decided to offer items containing cicadas or cicada-themed goodies.
Here are some spots throughout the DMV where you can find treats celebrating the 17 year bugs:
Chef Seng Luangrath, the head chef of Laotian restaurant Thip Khao in DC, has shared photos of cicada dishes on her instagram. So far, the chef has shared photos of crispy fried cicadas, cicada scampi, and avocado toast topped with cicadas. There were some questions about whether Thip Khao would be offering cicada items or not. However we spoke with Chef Seng, who said the restaurant will in fact offer cicada entrees due to requests from a lot of customers. She hopes that the new menu will be finalized and available to the public this week.
Cocina on Market, based in Leesburg, VA, is offering cicada tacos as one of their specials. The Mexican restaurant is best known for their seasonally inspired cuisine, which includes cricket tacos on their regular menu. Their cicada tacos will be finished with Mole verde, avocado, radish, and pickled local ramps.
MoCo-based Chouquette chocolates offers three different types of cicada-themed chocolates. They’re selling chocolate covered cicadas, available in 3 different flavors. The description on their website says “ NOT A JOKE – these are REAL Brood X cicadas – currently gathered from Silver Spring, Gaithersburg and Potomac MD. We gather the cicadas as they shed from their exoskeletons, and emerge as young adults. Recipe: Gather Fresh Cicadas. Freeze. Boil. Airfry. Cinnamon Sprinkle. Cover in Chocolate. Enjoy??” Their website also has this warning:” Individuals with Shellfish allergies should check with their physician before ingesting…All food has a variety of risks associated with it. With insects, the risks are estimated to be relatively small.”
For those who don’t wish to eat actual cicadas, they offer cicada shaped chocolates stuffed with marshmallow cream and they also offer chocolate covered caramels with cicada-themed art on them.
Cicada themed beers are also available at a couple of MoCo breweries. True Respite, located in Rockville, is selling Cicada Maibock Lager beers, with cicada artwork decorating the cans. On their instagram, True Respite describes the beer as “A classic German-style Maibock Lager. This lager is toasty with a little hint of spicy Noble hop character, restrained sweetness, and a crisp finish. This style is traditionally brewed as a springtime refresher…” The artwork was created by MoCo resident Ashley Hauck of @spicymustarddesigns .
Silver Branch Brewing, located in Silver Spring, also has a beer named in honor of the cicadas. Their “BREW’D X IPA” sold out of cans within the first three days, but this brew is still available on tap at their brewery. Silver Branch reassures us that “no Cicadas were harmed in the making of this hoppy, juicy IPA.” They describe the beer as “juicy, springtime IPA made with wheat and oats, Mosaic hop concentrate and a fruity new hop blend called Citiva.”
Another local brewery offering a cicada-themed beer: Rockville-based 7 Locks Brewing! They shared this on their instagram: “For the Brood X, we welcome Brew’d X to our lineup. And like the Brood X, Brew’d X is only around for a limited time… a sessionable pale ale at 4.8%, Brew’d X is both Buzzworthy & Crushable.”
Have you noticed any other cicada-themed treats in the area? Let us know!
By: Michelle Katz @pike.and.rozay
Featured photo courtesy of Chef Seng’s Instagram.
Holds to Go Services Ending at Six Montgomery County Public Libraries This Saturday
Per Montgomery County:
For Immediate Release: Thursday, May 20, 2021
The last day for appointment-based Holds to Go services at the six library branches reopening on Tuesday, June 1 will be this Saturday, May 22. The six branches reopening include Rockville, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Olney, Marilyn J. Praisner, and Connie Morella.
If there are no available appointments at any of these libraries before Saturday, May 22, please call the branch to make alternative arrangements. Beginning Monday, May 24, customers with available holds at Rockville, Gaithersburg, Olney, Marilyn J. Praisner, and Connie Morella libraries should call the branch upon arrival to request that their items be checked out and placed in the branch vestibule or on an outside table.
Silver Spring Library will not be providing Holds to Go service by appointment or phone request after Saturday, May 22. Customers have the choice of transferring their available holds to another branch still offering Holds to Go service or waiting until Silver Spring reopens on June 1.
Top Ten BEST Restaurants in MoCo According to Trip Advisor
Below is a list of the top ten best restaurants in Montgomery County, as determined by ratings on Trip Advisor. Trip Advisor is an online travel company that features user-generated content and reviews.
Two of the restaurants on this list have unfortunately closed in the past year. We kept them on the list because A. as a show respect for the fallen businesses, and B. because they are still technically listed on the site’s top ten.
If we took out the two closed restaurants, Mandalay in Silver Spring and Gregorio’s Trattoria in Potomac would have made the list.
10. Picca Pollo A La Brasa: 13000 Middlebrook Rd, Germantown
Coming in at #10, Picca is a Peruvian restaurant opened by the Sardelis cousins of the famous Sardi’s Pollo a la Brasa. In addition to chicken, the menu also features items like ceviche and stews. Picca also ranked as the best restaurant in Germantown on Trip Advisor.
Photo from Facebook
9. Mythos Mediterranean Grill: 8371 Snouffer School Rd, Gaithersburg CLOSED
Mythos unfortunately closed back in January of this year. The family owned Greek restaurant was a popular spot in Gaithersburg for over ten years.
Photo from Facebook
8. Mykonos Grill: 121 Congressional Ln Ste 104, Rockville
Mykonos is ranked as the #2 restaurant in Rockville. From their website: “Mykonos Grill welcomes you and invites you to experience the Aegean, the tranquility of our island, our beautiful colors and our rich heritage. We bring it all together, put it on a plate and serve it to our guests.”
Photo from Facebook
7. Raku: 7240 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda
This fine Asian dining spot, which also has two locations in DC, serves sushi, sashimi, and bento boxes. Ranked #2 restaurant in Bethesda.
Photo from Facebook
6. Coastal Flats: 135 Crown Park Ave, Gaithersburg
Coastal Flats, which ranked as the #1 restaurant in Gaithersburg, is a GAR owned seafood restaurant in Downtown Crown.
Photo from coastalflats.net
5. Parkway Deli: 8317 Grubb Rd, Silver Spring
Ranked number #2 in Silver Spring, Parkway Deli is a New York style deli that’s been serving MoCo since 1963. Great sandwiches and desserts.
Photo from Facebook
4. Jewel of India: 10151 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring
Jewel of India is a modern, gourmet North Indian restaurant in Silver Spring. Considered by many to be the best Indian food in Montgomery County.
Photo from Facebook
3. Sergio Ristorante Italiano: 8727 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring CLOSED
This cozy Italian restaurant had been serving the area for 37 years before closing its doors back at the start of the pandemic.
Photo from Facebook
2. Il Pizzico: 15209 Frederick Rd, Rockville
Known for their handmade pasta, when you ask someone from the area who has the best authentic Italian, Il Pizzico is usually the first place that comes up. The restaurant celebrated their 30th anniversary in June of 2020.
1. Chef Tony’s: 4926 Saint Elmo Ave, Bethesda
As of the publishing of this article (May 20, 2021), Chef Tony’s in Bethesda is still open at their St. Elmo location. Due to redevelopment, the location is scheduled to close on Sunday, May 23rd. The owners have announced that they will move to a new location in the area and hope to be open in September. Chef Tony’s, the best rated restaurant in all of Montgomery County, is known for their fresh seafood and large wine selection.
Rockville Time Capsule to be Unearthed May 13th
After being delayed a year due to COVID-19, the Rockville Senior Center will be unearthing a time capsule that was burred at the center in 1995.
Register here for the free zoom event on Thursday, May 13th at 5PM.
From the City of Rockville:
No one in 1995 could have predicted that when a time capsule was buried at the Rockville Senior Center, the appointed time for unearthing would be delayed a year due to a global pandemic in 2020.
Now, 26 years on, that capsule will be unearthed and its contents revealed via a virtual Zoom event, 5-6 p.m. Thursday, May 13.
“Within the capsule the citizens of Rockville, Maryland, have placed messages and memorabilia for future generations to view,” a plaque adorning a stone marking the capsule’s location reads today.
Staff at the Senior Center need to know which items to return to whom. Envelopes handed out at the time were used to donate items. Receipts issued at the time were to be redeemed for the items when the capsule was dug up.
If you have a receipt ticket, or believe a loved one may have put something in the capsule for you to retrieve, contact the Rockville Senior Center at [email protected] or tel: 240-314-8800.
Register for the free event using course #18872.
Josiah Henson Museum and Park Opens on April 23
Montgomery Parks has announced the opening of Josiah Henson Museum and Park on April 23, 2021. The museum and park are located at 11410 Old Georgetown Road in North Bethesda, on the site of the former plantation where Henson was enslaved from 1795 – 1830. The museum is open Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are required for admission and must be purchased online.
The Josiah Henson Museum and Park tells the inspirational life story of Reverend Josiah Henson, who was born into slavery yet defied the odds to become an influential author, abolitionist, minister, public speaker, and a world-renowned figure. One of Henson’s many accomplishments was his 1849 autobiography, The Life of Josiah Henson, Formerly a Slave, Now an Inhabitant of Canada, which inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe’s landmark anti-slavery novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
“I’m proud that Maryland’s 8th District is home to the new Josiah Henson Museum and Park,” said Congressman Jamie Raskin. “This vivid retelling of the extraordinary life and legacy of Josiah Henson will help us bring to life African-American history in Montgomery County and across Maryland. I thank Montgomery Parks and Montgomery County for researching and uplifting the untold stories of our African-American community, and I look forward to visiting and promoting the museum.”
“Josiah Henson was a remarkable man, and I am thrilled that we can preserve and amplify his legacy through this new museum. The museum is a resource of not only local significance but national importance. It is the only archaeology-based museum in the country dedicated to telling the story of African American enslavement. I encourage everyone to plan a visit,” said Mike Riley, Director, Montgomery Parks.
The Josiah Henson Museum & Park includes:
- The Riley/Bolten House which dates to1800-1815 and its attached log kitchen which dates to 1850. These historic structures have been rehabilitated and now feature both traditional and multimediaexhibits, incorporating archaeological artifacts found onsite.
- A newly constructed 3,000 square-foot visitor center which includes an auditorium with an orientation film, gift shop, restrooms, and observation terrace.
- A 4-acre landscaped park with an accessible walking path featuring outdoor interpretive exhibits, and archaeological features.
Throughout the museum and park, Henson’s story is dramatically recounted through film, audio recordings, archaeological artifacts, graphics, and custom illustrations by artists. The experience transports visitors back in time and evokes moments of emotion and reflection. In addition to interpreting Reverend Henson’s life story, the museum also educates visitors about the history of enslavement in Montgomery County and the ongoing struggles for racial equity and justice.
“Our family is absolutely thrilled with the completion of the museum,” said Mia M. Lewis, a descendent of Josiah Henson. “My hope is that people will come to understand who the Rev. Josiah Henson truly was, a man of tremendous strength, intelligence, loyalty, and of great faith.”
The Josiah Henson Museum and Park is open Friday through Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Tickets are required and can be purchased in advance online. In accordance with COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, admission is limited to your reserved timeslot and masks are required. Visitor parking is available at Wall Local Park, 5900 Executive Blvd., N. Bethesda. There are a limited number of accessible parking spots on-site for permit holders at 11410 Old Georgetown Road.
Josiah Henson’s Life and Legacy
Josiah Henson was born into slavery in Charles County, Maryland on June 15, 1789. After being sold separately from his mother and siblings at the auction block, he was eventually traded to Isaac Riley and worked alongside his mother on the Riley plantation from 1795 – 1830. The plantation was located along what is now Old Georgetown Road in North Bethesda. Through hard work and acumen, Henson rose to become the plantation superintendent. He also found Christianity after attending a sermon given by an itinerant preacher at the nearby Newport Mill.
Henson became an ordained Methodist minister and after suffering the violence and cruelty of four decades of chattel slavery, escaped to Canada on foot in 1830 with his wife and four children. There he helped established Dawn Settlement, a community inhabited by those formerly enslaved in the United States, continued his work in the Methodist ministry, and became an international speaker and abolitionist. Henson continued the fight for freedom, leading 118 people from enslavement in the United States to freedom in Canada as a conductor on the Underground Railroad.
In 1849, Henson published his autobiography, The Life of Josiah Henson, Formerly a Slave, Now an Inhabitant of Canada, which vividly depicted his experience of enslaved life in Maryland and Kentucky. The book inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe’s groundbreaking fictional novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which broke all sales records of the time and sold more than half a million copies by 1857. Uncle Tom’s Cabininspired the abolitionist movement in the mid-nineteenth century, and many believe the novel helped propel the country into civil war. Henson’s later work as a renowned speaker and author garnered him invitations both to the White House and Windsor Castle in London, England.
A Project 15 Years in the Making
In January 2006, Montgomery Parks acquired the property located at 11420 Old Georgetown Road from private ownership. The property included the Riley/Bolten House which dates to 1800-1815, and its attached log kitchen which dates to 1850. Modifications were made to the tidewater plantation house in the 1930s by White House architect Lorenzo Winslow in the Colonial Revival Style. Four adjoining parcels of land were acquired in subsequent years to create a nearly-4-acre park. The park first opened to the public in 2006. Parks staff conducted archaeological excavations for the past 10 years that have yielded over 50,000 artifacts. In addition to excavations, Parks staff hosted school programs based on archaeology, and led historic interpretive public programs about Henson’s life and the African American experience. In 2011, Parks staff wrote and submitted the nomination to list the Riley/Bolten House onthe National Register of Historic Places for its historic significance. The historic house has been listed on the Montgomery County Master Plan for Historic Preservation since 1979.
In June 2013, The Montgomery County Planning Board approved the Josiah Henson Park Facility Plan. The facility plan called for rehabilitating the Riley/Bolten House and converting it into a public museum, as well as building a new 3,000 square-foot visitor center and making the site more accessible to visitors.Funding for the project included: Montgomery County funds, State of Maryland funds, Federal funds, and private donations. The total project cost was $8.8 million dollars. Construction began in 2018 and was completed in February 2021.
The Josiah Henson Museum and Park is part of the National Park Service National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program.
