Registration is open for the 2024 Montgomery County History Conference with Thomas Smallwood keynote and documentary screening

Registration is open for the 2024 Montgomery County History Conference on October 19 at Montgomery College’s Rockville campus. It features a keynote about Thomas Smallwood, nine breakout sessions and a documentary screening about local history. Admission is $75 and there are student discounts.

The press release states: “Registration is now open for the 2024 Montgomery County History Conference, which will be held on Saturday, October 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Rockville campus of Montgomery College at the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center takes place. The conference offers countless opportunities to engage with local history, including a keynote address, nine breakout sessions and a documentary screening. The keynote session will detail the life of Thomas Smallwood, a local man who was born into slavery and eventually purchased his own freedom.

Montgomery College’s Rockville campus is located at 51 Mannakee St. in Rockville.

Tickets to attend the conference cost $75. To register, click here.

Special student registration valued at $15 is available by emailing proof of enrollment status to Matt Gagle [email protected]. Additionally, scholarship opportunities are available for those in need of financial assistance.

Thomas Smallwood organized mass escapes from slavery by wagonload and was the first to write the phrase “Underground Railroad.” Author Scott Shane will explore the incredible life’s work of Thomas Smallwood and his lasting legacy.

The conference will conclude with a documentary screening of “Ten Days in September 1956,” a film detailing the integration of Poolesville High School as told by those who witnessed it. This screening will conclude with a panel discussion by several of the film’s participants.

Breakout sessions will cover a variety of topics, including the groundbreaking story of Romeo and Elsie Horad, Latvian immigration and freedom in the 1990s, the legendary life of Josiah Henson, a 50th anniversary celebration of Peerless Rockville’s tireless work Historic Preservation, the stunning designs of mid-century religious architecture in Montgomery County, a history of hip hop, the first quarter century of Bethesda Big Train Baseball, a commemoration of the historic Medley District, and a discussion of the archeology of the Emory estate Church.

For a complete schedule, session descriptions and more information, visit the Montgomery History website.”