“IT HAPPENED HERE” photo exhibit now at Olney Library, MCPL

March 16–April 16, 2026, at Olney Library, during library hours

“IT HAPPENED HERE: REMEMBERING THREE LYNCHINGS” was developed by MoCoLMP and reveals the forgotten and nearly-erased history that occurred in our county. Originally focused on the two lynchings that took place in Rockville, the exhibit now includes Mr. Peck’s lynching in Poolesville.

With site markers and photographs, this exhibit traces the paths of the three lynchings: Mr. George Peck in 1880, Mr. John Diggs-Dorsey in 1880 and Mr. Sidney Randolph in 1896. Each of these three men was denied any semblance of due process and each racially violent death was determined to be “at the hands of parties unknown.”

Besides helping to reveal the history of these fatal miscarriages of justice and helping to remember the victims, the exhibit also highlights the process of community engagement, reconciliation, and healing. It includes several photographs from the Poolesville and Rockville area, including photos from the soil collection and marker ceremonies honoring those three victims. 

Those who are interested in Montgomery County history and efforts to promote remembrance and reconciliation will not want to miss this thought-provoking and powerful exhibit.

This show is cosponsored by Montgomery County Public Libraries and will be shown at Wheaton and the Connie Morella (Bethesda) library at later dates. MoCoLMP thanks them for their support.