OUR EXHIBITS
Our exhibits share significant aspects of Rockville’s past and seek to immerse you, the viewer, in the diverse history all around you.
Whether you view an exhibit in-person at the Red Brick Courthouse, online, or off-site, you will encounter stories that let you dig deeper into the City’s history exploring topics such as African American education from the Civil War to Civil Rights, the changing landscape of the 1960s, or Rockville women trailblazing their own paths. Exhibits at the RBCH are currently open by appointment and at select times throughout the year.
FEATURED EXHIBIT
FORGING FREEDOM
Forging Freedom: Endurance, Escape, and Rockville’s Underground Railroad portrays the story of Rockville in the era of the Underground Railroad, when slavery cast a shadow over the life in this small town, and separatist tensions steadily propelled the nation towards war. This is an opportunity to learn about the brave fugitives who fled slavery in Rockville, the abolitionist network that helped, and the endurance of the enslaved community.
Currently open by appointment Monday and Wednesday through Friday, 10 am – 3 pm in the Historic Red Brick Courthouse, 29 Courthouse Sq, Rockville, MD 20850. E-mail info@PeerlessRockville.org to make an appointment.
EXHIBITS
Changing the Map
Online: https://sites.google.com/view/changing-the-map-2-0/home
Federal Urban Renewal funds enabled the Mid-City Project that transformed Rockville’s original downtown and streetscapes. It demolished buildings with wide-ranging architectural styles and changed historic routes that had evolved over time from the 18th century. These were replaced by monolithic mid-20th century ideas about urban design and commerce. This virtual exhibit seeks to illustrate how this momentous change came about as Rockville sought to create a modern County Seat for a growing population and permanently altered the face of Rockville.
History of the Rockville Public Library
At the Rockville Public Library (Permanent Exhibit 2nd Floor)
Public Libraries in Rockville have had a long history. From a small building on a corner run by volunteers to the County run institution of today, it has been a vital part of our community. See some of the highlights of history in this exhibit.
Emancipation and the Pursuit of Education: 150 years of Advancement in Educational Equality
At the Rockville Public Library (Permanent Exhibit 2nd Floor)
Even before emancipation the value of education was recognized by both the enslaved and free Blacks. In the decades after Emancipation, Black families knew that education was vital for their children’s future success, and despite many obstacles they sought to reach that goal. This exhibit explores the story of Black Education in Rockville from the early beginnings of schools for the Black community through to the integration of public schools.
