Heritage Days 2011

Each year, on the last weekend of June, Heritage Montgomery hosts its signature event – the annual Heritage Days Celebration.  This two-day, free-of-charge, county-wide festival offers visitors an opportunity to sample numerous sites representing the history, culture, and natural beauty of Montgomery County.

Sites open for Heritage Days 2011: (to see the complete list, use the link below)

Gaithersburg/Rockville
6. American Latvian Museum
Saturday and Sunday
400 Hurley Avenue, Rockville
301-340-1914    www.ALAUSA.org
Exhibits on Latvian history, costumes, coins and jewelry. Hands-on activities for all ages include silversmithing and decorating Easter eggs with onionskin dye. Latvian music instrument Kokle, folk songs by Sudrabavots, choral music and refreshments. Latvian food, handicrafts, gifts, jewelry and books for sale.

7.  Montgomery County Historical Society
Saturday and Sunday
103 West Montgomery Avenue, Rockville   301-762-1492   
See the new exhibit The Year of the Hat that highlights fashion hats worn by men, women and children in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries in Montgomery County. Learn what they tell us about our community and the people who live here. Dr. Stonestreet will hold office hours in the Stonestreet Museum of 19th Century Medicine.

8. City of Rockville
301-251-2747     
Saturday: Meet at the Lincoln Park Community Center, 357 Frederick Avenue, to celebrate 120 years of this community with a historical parade. Return there to end with a cultural celebration.
Sunday: Meet at the entrance to the Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Avenue, at 1:30 PM for a guided walking tour of African American heritage via interpretive panels led by Anita Neal Powell of the Lincoln Park Historical Foundation and Rockville's Historic District Commission.

9. Gaithersburg Community Museum
Saturday only
9 S. Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg          301-258-6160
Visit the restored 1884 B&O Railroad Station complex; site of the Community Museum, History Park and rolling stock. The newly renovated museum features an interesting collection of photos and artifacts that pay tribute to Gaithersburg’s Heritage. Interactive bank and schoolroom exhibits also on display.

10. Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory
Saturday only
100 Desellum Avenue, Gaithersburg       301-258-6160
Tour the restored building and newly opened History Park. The building and its surrounding property were built by Rockville astronomer Edwin Smith. This site played an important role in efforts of scientists to determine the “wobble of the earth”.