March is Women’s History Month, a tribute to the impactful contributions women have made throughout the history of our nation. Montgomery County, Maryland boasts a rich legacy of women who have made significant national and local contributions, making it an ideal destination for those interested in women’s history.
Places to Explore
Visit the Clara Barton National Historic Site
5801 Oxford Road, Glen Echo, MD 20812
Clara Barton, a pioneering nurse who established the American Red Cross and offered vital medical assistance to soldiers during the Civil War, remains a celebrated figure for her lifelong dedication to humanitarian efforts. The Clara Barton National Historic Site in Glen Echo is recognized as the first national historic site dedicated to a woman’s achievements in the United States. Nestled on nine acres, this location encompasses the 38-room home where Barton resided for the final 15 years of her life. This house also served as one of the earliest headquarters and supply depots for the American Red Cross.
Visitors can enjoy complimentary guided tours of the main floor, offered hourly from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Friday through Sunday. Please note that the upper floors of the home are presently off-limits to the public.
Discover Rachel Carson Conservation Park
22201 Zion Road, Olney, MD 20833
Rachel Carson was not just a marine biologist and conservationist; she was also the influential author of Silent Spring, a groundbreaking work that played a crucial role in propelling the global environmental movement. During her later years, Carson lived in Silver Spring and dedicated her efforts in Montgomery County to examining various environmental hazards, notably pesticides and harmful chemicals.
Her profound love for nature continues to inspire visitors at the Rachel Carson Conservation Park. This park, dedicated in her memory, stands out as one of the top conservation areas in the county, featuring six picturesque miles of natural trails ideal for hiking, walking, running, and immersing oneself in nature.
Experience Anna Maria Weems’ Journey at the Underground Railroad Experience Trail
Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park
16501 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860
Anna Maria Weems was born into slavery in Montgomery County in 1840. She is celebrated for her daring escape, which involved disguising herself as a man to break free. On September 23, 1855, she fled to Washington, DC, and devised an escape route with family members she had reconnected with after being separated during her youth. Following this, she journeyed to Philadelphia by carriage before meeting with William Still, a key figure in the Underground Railroad. Together, they helped her reach Brooklyn, and ultimately, she traveled by train to Canada to reunite with her aunt and uncle who had made a new home there. Weems lived out the rest of her years as a free woman in Canada.
Many individuals had experiences akin to Anna Maria Weems’ courageous flight to freedom. You can learn more by visiting the Underground Railroad Experience Trail at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, where a guided hike immerses you in the journeys taken by freedom seekers as they made their way North.
Support Women-Owned Businesses
This Women’s History Month, show your support by combining your visit to the historic sites of Montgomery County with a meal or drink from one of its many woman-owned establishments. To discover a comprehensive list of recommended places to try, click here.
