square inch or something, and the church later this year. new regulations are 110 pounds. He“ Those old walls have so many said,‘ We should rip these floors up stories to tell, and that’ s beautiful,” and replace them with a new hardwood floor because the county is Somerset.“ I think historic struc-
said philanthropist Cathy Pickar of
going to ask.’ We said,‘ Well, then tures need to be preserved. I think don’ t say anything and let them the town of Poolesville needs it, ask.’ It was the same conversation that kind of beauty where you take with many, many things.” the best of what is already there Buoyed by the overwhelming and then you enhance it.” community support for Local’ s—
Meanwhile, just over the Poolesville town line to Beallsville, the where the original floors remain— David and Sandy have since turned serene search for the top to the their attention to the historic sugar bowl may continue indefinitely. Perry Kapche fully intends
Methodist church on West Willard Road, built circa 1820. Their vision to honor her mother’ s proclamation to the Washington Post, made for the Riverworks Art Center is to turn the Poolesville Historic on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of Chiswell’ s Inheritance in
District into a hub for live performance, education, and culture. 1996:“ We aren’ t ever going to sell
David, once again, shared this house. It is just too near and his inspiration with the public dear to us. Chances are it will go in a 2023 Facebook post:“ Looking back and forwards. Join us to family for another 200 years.”
to one of our kids and stay in the build this amazing building you
Maybe, just maybe, a great and your community can share in. restaurant and arts center will This opportunity brought to you by still stand nearby when that day Sydney Therriault.” comes.
That vision, creating new community engagement in old spaces, amazing, celebrating history the
“ David and Sandy are truly
has already inspired benefactors way they do— by putting history who have put Riverworks in a to work,” said Perry.“ My mother position to break ground at the old would have loved Locals.”
Paul Tukey is an award-winning journalist who serves as chief advancement officer for the Potomac Community Foundation.
The Rules For Old Properties
If you own or are considering the purchase of a historically significant property, do your homework before undertaking any project beyond basic maintenance. In-depth national guidelines from the Secretary of the Interior can be found here: https:// www. nps. gov / orgs / 1739 / secretary-standards-treatment-historicproperties. htm. To determine if your property qualifies for a local Historic Area Work Permit, visit: https:// montgomerycountymd. gov / exec / Resources / Files / 11-20. pdf.
New Foundation Aims to Preserve Black History
From the earliest moments of the three-year campaign to restore and expand the historic Scotland AME Zion church of Potomac, the 2nd Century Project was seen as a blueprint for community engagement and fundraising for legacy African American communities of the region.
After the Scotland church’ s ribbon-cutting ceremony April 30, several prominent Montgomery County leaders in faith, philanthropy, and community engagement launched the Potomac Community Foundation. The PCF, a 501( c)( 3), will focus on education, career development, and historic legacy preservation of significant Black stories and landmarks.
The initial board for the PCF consists of founder Dr. Jason Wingard, president and chair; Debbie Driesman, secretary; Dedra Dawson, treasurer; Dr. Sheryl Brissett Chapman; Knight Kiplinger; Bob Buchanan; George Ashton, and Catherine Leggett.
“ We are thrilled to get this initiative underway,” said Krystal Davis, the founding executive director and a member of Emory Grove Methodist Church.“ There’ s still much to be done in this region, and our team is committed to continuing our efforts to make a difference.”
For more information about getting involved, visit www. potomaccf. org.
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