Project Overview
This project is part of Untold Stories, a program led by the Cultural Resources Stewardship Section of Montgomery Parks. The goal is to share stories of local history and culture with the public. This project focuses on the history of baseball and softball within African American communities in Montgomery County, spanning from the early 1920s up until the 1970s.
Montgomery Parks plans to share this history with park patrons in a variety of ways, such as interactive displays, signage, and public programs, etc. To guide the project, Montgomery Parks is conducting an audience study to understand visitors’ awareness of the topic, their level of interest, and preferred learning methods. Additionally, staff is seeking input from individuals with personal, family, or community connections to this history.
Background
In the first half of the 20th century, many African Americans in Montgomery County lived in small kinship communities formed after the Civil War—more than 40 in total. Segregation limited leisure and recreation opportunities, so these communities created their own entertainment venues. Ball games became major social events, fostering friendly rivalries and community bonding.
Most communities had both men’s and women’s teams, and many built fields ranging from modest sandlots to high-quality facilities with grandstands, lights, and concessions. Because Major League Baseball excluded Black players until 1947—and Negro League pay was often insufficient—many highly skilled athletes played for their hometown teams. The level of play was exceptional.
Status / Project Update
The project is currently in the research and audience study phase. The first community meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM in the auditorium on the 2nd floor of the M-NCPPC Headquarters (2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD). A recording of the presentation and summary of in-person meeting discussion will be shared on this page a few weeks after the meeting.
Project Timeline
| Date | Project Stage and Resources |
|---|---|
| Summer 2025 – | Project Initiation – Research, including meetings with individual community stakeholders |
| Fall 2025 – | Audience study – Phase 1 |
| February 2, 2026 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM | Community Meeting #1 Auditorium, 2nd Floor, M-NCPPC Headquarters, 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD |
| Spring – Summer 2026 | Audience study – phase 2 *Includes online survey for wide distribution |
| Fall 2026 | Community Meeting #2 |
| Fall/Winter 2026 | Concept planning for interpretive material begins |
| 2027 | Development/design/production of materials |