Exihibit Talk for IT HAPPENED HERE: Remembering Three Lynchings

Presented by Montgomery County Lynching Memorial Project

Derrick C. Tabor--one of the exhibit's photographers--will give a talk about the exhibit and share more in-depth history of the Montgomery County Lynching Memorial Project.

In the first floor meeting room at Rockville Memorial Library, photographer Derrick C. Tabor will discuss the exhibit "IT HAPPENED HERE: REMEMBERING THREE LYNCHINGS" that 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.   

About the Presenter 

Derrick C. Tabor, is a member of the Montgomery Lynching Memorial Project, MoCoLMP, and is one of the photographers who contributed to the making of the exhibit, “It Happened Here - Remembering Three Lynchings”. In this presentation he will discuss how this exhibit has evolved, what it teaches us about Montgomery County history, and how it informs our present and future. He will also discuss how the current exhibit aligns with the mission of MoCoLMP.  

Derrick is active in several art groups within the DMV. As a photographer, artist, photojournalist, community engaged citizen, and grandfather he is enjoying a very active retirement from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health. 

Questions about this program? Contact the branch Rockville Memorial Library (240) 777-0140.

Looking for more fun things to do at MCPL?  Visit our Events calendar.

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

To request an accommodation, contact the Rockville Memorial Library at 240-777-0140. If they are unable to help, or if you need an accommodation for an online resource or event, complete our Accommodation Request Form online or call Library Administration at 240-777-0002.

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