“IT HAPPENED HERE” photo exhibit dates

• June 26-July 17, 2026, Marilyn J Praisner Library, 14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville MD

• June 1-June 26, 2026, Connie Morella Library - Bethesda, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, MD

• April 17-May 8, 2026, Wheaton Library, 11701 Georgia Ave, Wheaton, MD

• March 16–April 16, 2026, Olney Library, 3500 Olney Laytonsville Rd, Olney, MD

• February 17-March 16, Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library, 900 Wayne Ave, Silver Spring, MD

• January 16-February 17, 2026, Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Dr, Potomac, MD

The “IT HAPPENED HERE: REMEMBERING THREE LYNCHINGS” photo exhibit was developed by MoCoLMP and reveals the forgotten and nearly-erased history that occurred in Montgomery 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.”

"It Happened Here" photo exhibit, BlackRock Center for the Arts 2026

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. MoCoLMP thanks them for their support.