The evolution of Bethesda was the subject of a 2022 virtual presentation from Montgomery History that proved to be its most watched presentation of the year.
Starting Monday, Feb. 20, and continuing for a one-week period through Sunday, Feb. 26, “A Wide Place in the Road—The Roots of Modern Bethesda” will again be available in a free virtual presentation from Montgomery County’s history organization.
Bethesda Historical Society Secretary and Tour Chair Hank Levine will take viewers through how, between 1750 and 1920, a fall line, a ridge line, a turnpike, a trolley line, rail lines, the coming of the automobile and Chevy Chase set the stage for the development of Bethesda. Mr. Levine will address how Bethesda went from being an affluent suburb and transformed into the urban center it is today.
The presentation includes stories of early churches, stores and real estate moguls. It looks at the decades Bethesda was bypassed and almost died. Mr. Levine will look at the experimental animal farm that struck many as less than heaven scent and will also explore the founding of the town’s first neighborhoods.
To join the presentation starting Monday, Feb. 20, go to » WATCH (montgomeryhistory.org).