Recognizing the vital role of history as the cultural and social fabric of a community, the Montgomery County Historical Society (MCHS) seeks to reflect the growth, diversity and vibrancy of Montgomery County.  Montgomery County has experienced significant growth in the past sixty-one years and MCHS has grown as well:

• From an all-volunteer association in 1944-- to an organization boasting a membership of close to 1,200
• Professional staff of eleven and over one hundred twenty-five dedicated volunteers

Key events in the history of the Society

• Founded in 1944.
• Administrative center is located at the Beall-Dawson Historical Park in Rockville.
• In 1965 the City of Rockville purchased the c.1815 Beall-Dawson House in Rockville and entered a partnership with MCHS to cooperatively open the house for tours.  The historical society established the museum, library, and administrative complex that exists today.
• In 1972 the 19th century free-standing medical office of Dr. Edward Stonestreet of Rockville was donated to MCHS and moved to the Beall-Dawson site.  Today the building is known as the Stonestreet Museum of 19th Century Medicine.
• The Society's growing collection of research materials necessitated hiring a librarian in the 1970's as well as converting a garage on the property to library space.
• Renovated in 1993 and named in honor of librarian Jane Sween in 2001, the Jane C. Sween Library offers research collections and reference services for local history.
• MCHS opened the Waters House History Center in Germantown in 2002.  The Waters House includes space for MCHS programs and exhibits, the MCHS Special Collections Library, and the Waters House Gift Shop.
• In 2003 MCHS assumed administrative oversight of the Montgomery County Archives.  Located in the Red Brick Courthouse in Rockville, MCHS opens the Archives to the public by appointment only.