Gaithersburg received national grant funding for a historical marker for Metropolitan Grove, a historic Black community in the area.
The city got $50,000 from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund under the National Trust for Historic Preservation, according to a release last week. The Gaithersburg Community Museum will use the funding for research, development, and creation of historical marker signage as part of the Gaithersburg History Project.
According to information for a previous event about the community, Metropolitan Grove was a flourishing Black community that is now the site of the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). It was founded by formerly enslaved people and “stood as a bustling hub during the initial decades of the 20th century.” A lot of the original building stock was lost to redevelopment during the Urban Renewal period, per a release announcing this year’s grant recipients.
The historical marker will share history about Metropolitan Grove and a link to more in-depth history of the neighborhood, community members’ oral histories, an interactive map and archival records.
In a written statement, Gaithersburg Community Museum Facility Manager Cynthia Cowan said, “These funds will allow us to preserve and celebrate the rich history of Metropolitan Grove, honoring its memory while those who keep its stories are still here to share them.”
“These grants will support critical preservation efforts to revitalize and sustain tangible links to our shared past that we hope will inspire future generations,” stated Brent Leggs, Executive Director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund.
This year Gaithersburg is one of 30 places nationwide receiving grant funding from the Action Fund to support and preserve Black history. Gaithersburg is the only location in Montgomery County receiving the funding, and there is one other Maryland recipient in Centreville.
