This is the residence where Eunice Kennedy Shriver initiated a summer day camp that led to the founding of the Special Olympics.
WHEATON, Md. – The Montgomery County Council has officially approved an amendment to include Timberlawn in Montgomery County’s Master Plan for Historic Preservation. This decision follows the Montgomery County Planning Board’s recommendation in May 2025 to designate the historic North Bethesda home where Eunice Kennedy Shriver initiated Camp Shriver—an innovative day camp for children with intellectual disabilities that ultimately contributed to the establishment of the Special Olympics.
“Timberlawn serves as a vital intersection of history and humanity,” noted Planning Board Chair Artie Harris. “It marks the beginning of a movement that transformed society’s perception of inclusion and ability. The Montgomery County Planning Board is eager to preserve this important legacy, and we commend the County Council for supporting the historic designation.”
A Closer Look at Timberlawn
Timberlawn stands as the last remaining section of a once 280-acre estate in North Bethesda. It was here, in 1962, that Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister to President John F. Kennedy, launched Camp Shriver. This camp was pivotal in her journey to create the Special Olympics, fundamentally changing recreational opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
After President Kennedy appointed Sargent Shriver, Eunice’s spouse, as the inaugural director of the Peace Corps in 1961, the couple moved their family to the Timberlawn estate located at 5700 Sugarbush Lane. They rented this property from 1961 to 1968, and again from 1970 to 1978. The estate served as both their family residence and a functional extension of their professional lives.
“This historical designation pays homage to the significant influence of Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s groundbreaking efforts to uplift children with intellectual disabilities and their families, sparking a worldwide movement through the establishment of the Special Olympics,” affirmed Jason K. Sartori, the Montgomery Planning Director. “Timberlawn represents a unique aspect of local history that resonates on an international level.”
The architectural design of Timberlawn is remarkable for its Georgian-Revival style, which reflects the craftsmanship of the early 1900s. It serves as an exceptional example of the early to mid-career work of master architect Arthur Berthrong Heaton.
Rebeccah Ballo, Chief of the Montgomery Planning Historic Preservation Division, stated, “Timberlawn, with its elegant design by Arthur Heaton, encapsulates the narrative of early 20th-century artistry and vision. By preserving this home, we honor the people and the legacy that contributed to a more inclusive Montgomery County and world.”
Watch a video to learn more about the property’s legacy.
The procedure for designating resources in Montgomery County’s Master Plan for Historic Preservation involves thorough reviews by the Montgomery County Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), the Planning Board, and requires a final approval vote from the Montgomery County Council. The Planning Board’s recommendation to designate Timberlawn as historic follows the HPC’s suggestion made in 2024. The Historic Preservation Office, part of the Montgomery County Planning Department and The M-NCPPC, conducted extensive research and prepared the designation report for Timberlawn. The current homeowner pursued this historic designation.
Understanding Montgomery County’s Historic Designation Process
When a property is designated as historically significant in Montgomery County, all exterior modifications must receive approval from the HPC prior to any permit issuance. The designation in the Master Plan for Historic Preservation entails:
- Recognizing important architectural and cultural landmarks.
- Safeguarding buildings and neighborhoods from demolition threats.
- Regulating exterior changes to designated properties.
- Offering property owners guidance on care, restoration, and preservation practices.
- Enabling property owners to access special tax incentive programs.
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