Jane C. Sween

Research Library and Special Collections

Due to the current pandemic, the Library is closed to patrons.

However, we are still able to process remote research requests.

Please contact the Librarian/Archivist or visit our remote research page for more information.

The Jane C. Sween Research Library and Special Collections is located at the Beall-Dawson Historical Park in Rockville. Named in honor of its first librarian–researcher, current volunteer, and author Jane C. Sween–the library strives to collect, preserve, and make available the rich history of Montgomery County and its residents in the form of primary and secondary resources related to local history and genealogy. 

Search our Collections

To search across all our collections (museum, library, special collections, photos) use keyword search or advanced search in the top menu bar.

Or use the catalog-specific searches to narrow your results:

Library: the full catalog of books and other secondary sources on local history and genealogy available in our non-circulating library is only available onsite. Many of our resources are searchable through the Montgomery County Public Library’s catalog. We are currently updating our online database system to include all titles.

Archives: the library’s special collections, consisting of primary source archival documents (wills, deeds, correspondence, diaries, photographs, maps and much more) collected and/or donated by Montgomery County families and residents.*

Photos: our extensive photograph collection of Montgomery County places, events, and people, consisting of 8 x 10 images, snapshots, slides, and postcard images.

Or view lists of the resources available at the Library.

*For more information about the resources you find in the Archives portion of our online database, please contact the librarian. Some material may be difficult to access or need special permission to view depending on condition. We suggest you make an appointment ahead of your visit to ensure you are able to view desired materials.

Visit the Library

Our Librarian and dedicated team of experienced volunteers are happy to assist you with your research! The library is located on the same campus as the Beall-Dawson House, Stonestreet Museum, and Montgomery History administrative offices, off W. Montgomery Avenue in downtown Rockville. Parking is available for free in our lots off Middle Lane, as well as on the street (2-hour limit).

Location:  The street address of the library is 42 W. Middle Lane, between N. Adams St. and N. Van Buren St. in Rockville, MD.

Hours:  Wednesday through Friday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, and Saturday 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Closed on federal holidays. The Library also follows the Montgomery County Public Schools in closing for hazardous weather conditions.

Fees and Services: The Library charges a daily research fee to cover expenses. We also charge fees for duplication of materials as outlined below.

Daily Research Fee:

$5 adults / $3 seniors and students / Montgomery History members free!

Duplication Fees: 

$0.25/page for photocopies of materials

$10.00/image for re-scanned digital photographs (higher than 300 dpi)

Rules for the Reading Room:

• No food or drink allowed. Water may be carried inside a closed container, but must be consumed away from the tables.
• Large purses or backpacks must be left in the cabinet near the entrance.
• Please use pencil only for note-taking– no ink pens will be allowed on the tables.
• Laptops and phones/cameras are allowed. Please turn any notification sounds off to respect the concentration of other patrons.
• When using vertical files or family files, please retain the order of the materials and keep them oriented the way you found them.
• Please do not reshelve or refile materials– return all books to the cart and leave file folders and other materials on the tables. Staff will put them away for you.

Remote Research Services
Research services may be available from the staff depending on the nature of the request. Contact the Librarian for more information.

For more information, contact:

Sarah Hedlund, Archivist/Librarian

archive@montgomeryhistory.org

301-340-2974