This is the residence where Eunice Kennedy Shriver initiated a summer day camp that led to the founding of Special Olympics.
WHEATON, Md. – The Montgomery County Council has approved an amendment to officially include Timberlawn in Montgomery County’s Master Plan for Historic Preservation. This decision follows a recommendation from the Montgomery County Planning Board, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), made in May 2025 to designate the North Bethesda home where Eunice Kennedy Shriver established Camp Shriver, a summer camp for children with intellectual disabilities that served as a precursor to Special Olympics.
“Timberlawn is a place where history and humanity intersect,” stated Planning Board Chair Artie Harris. “It is the birthplace of a movement that transformed society’s views on inclusion and ability. The Montgomery County Planning Board is proud to support the preservation of this legacy, and we commend the County Council for their endorsement of the historic designation.”
Discover Timberlawn
Timberlawn is the only remaining section of the once 280-acre estate in North Bethesda where, in 1962, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of then-President John F. Kennedy, launched Camp Shriver. This day camp laid the groundwork for the establishment of Special Olympics and significantly advanced recreational opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
When President Kennedy appointed Sargent Shriver, Eunice’s husband, as the founding director of the Peace Corps in 1961, their family moved to the Timberlawn estate located at 5700 Sugarbush Lane. The Shriver family rented the property from 1961 to 1968 and again from 1970 to 1978. This house, combined with the expansive fields, riding paths, and farm, served as both their family home and an extension of their professional endeavors.
“This designation celebrates the significant influence of Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s groundbreaking efforts to uplift children with intellectual disabilities and their families, initiating a worldwide movement through the founding of Special Olympics,” remarked Montgomery Planning Director Jason K. Sartori. “Timberlawn symbolizes the concept that local history can resonate globally.”
The architectural design of the house is remarkable for its Georgian-Revival style, dating back to 1900. It stands as a well-preserved example of the early to mid-career work of the master architect Arthur Berthrong Heaton.
Rebeccah Ballo, Chief of the Montgomery Planning Historic Preservation Division, stated, “With its sophisticated design by master architect Arthur Heaton, Timberlawn embodies the narrative of early 20th-century artistry and innovation. Preserving this site means honoring the individuals and the place that contributed to a better Montgomery County and world.”
Watch a video exploring the legacy of this historic property.
For a property to be included in Montgomery County’s Master Plan for Historic Preservation, it must first undergo a thorough review by the Montgomery County Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), followed by the Planning Board, which ultimately makes a recommendation to the Montgomery County Council for final approval. The Planning Board’s recommendation for Timberlawn follows the HPC’s earlier suggestion in 2024 to designate the property historically. The Historic Preservation Office within the Montgomery County Planning Department, a part of M-NCPPC, conducted thorough research and compiled Timberlawn’s designation report. The current homeowner advocated for this historic designation.
Historic Designation Process in Montgomery County
Once a property gains approval for historic designation in Montgomery County, any modifications to the exterior must go through an evaluation by the HPC prior to the issuance of permits. The designation in the Master Plan for Historic Preservation:
- Recognizes important architectural and cultural landmarks.
- Protects structures and neighborhoods from demolition.
- Manages changes to the external appearance of resources.
- Provides property owners with guidance on maintenance, restoration, and preservation.
- Enables property owners to qualify for special tax benefit programs.
