It Happened Here: Remembering Three Lynchings

Presented by Montgomery County Lynching Memorial Project

Photo exhibit presented by Olney Library from March 16 to April 16, 2026.

"IT HAPPENED HERE: REMEMBERING THREE LYNCHINGS" was developed by the Montgomery County Lynching Memorial Project and reveals the forgotten and nearly-erased history that occurred in our county.  Originally focused on the two lynchings that took place in Rockville, the exhibit has recently expanded to include Mr. Peck's lynching in Poolesville.

With site markers and photographs, this exhibit traces the paths of the three lynchings: Mr. George Peck in 1881, Mr. John Diggs-Dorsey in 1880, and Mr. Sidney Randolph in 1896.  Each of these three men was denied any semblance of due process, and each racially violent death was determined to be "at the hands of parties unknown." 

Besides helping to reveal the history of these fatal miscarriages of justice and helping to remember the victims, the exhibit also highlights the process of community engagement, reconciliation, and healing.  It includes several photographs from the Poolesville and Rockville area, including photographs from the soil collection and marker ceremonies honoring those three victims.

Those who are interested in Montgomery County history and efforts to promote remembrance and reconciliation will not want to miss this thought-provoking and powerful exhibit.  

Questions about this program? Contact the branch Olney Library (240)773-9545

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Library Program Attendance (both virtual and in the branch) is limited to participants within the suggested age range of the program. Children attending an MCPL program under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Adults attending a program intended for children must have an accompanying child.

If you plan to attend with a group of ten or more, please contact the branch at least one week before the program to discuss how your group might be accommodated.

Accommodation Requests

People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing should request English-language captioning or sign-language interpretation at least five days before the library-sponsored program they plan to attend. Contact the Assistant Facilities and Accessibility Program Manager at 240-777-0002 with all other accommodation requests.

cm 1.1 01/03/2023

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