Garrett Park, MD

Since the incorporation of the Town of Garrett Park in 1898, the town’s clerk-treasurers and interested residents have been collecting documents, maps, photographs, memorabilia, and other materials related to the Town’s history and its residents.

In 2003, resident Barbara Shidler became the first officially designated Town Archivist. In this role, she implemented steps to ensure materials were organized, catalogued, housed, and preserved in a professional manner. Upon Shidler’s retirement in 2009, a citizen advisory committee was established to “make recommendations to the Town Council as to how best to manage the archives, preserve and expand the collection, and make the collection more accessible to the public while protecting its integrity.” In July 2010, based on the recommendation of the advisory committee, the Town Council passed Ordinance 2010-03, which formally established The Barbara Shidler Archives Committee, a citizen-run committee to oversee the Town Archives.

Initially, the Committee managed the day-to-day operations of the Archives, seeking advice and guidance from other repositories in the area. In 2012, the Town engaged the services of a professional archivist on a contract basis and continues to do so today. The Committee now serves in an advisory capacity to the Mayor, Town Manager, Town Council, and contract Town Archivist. The Committee also promotes educational and preservation initiatives to advance the understanding and appreciation of our town history.

The Mayor may appoint up to seven members to the Archives Committee for five-year terms.

The Archives maintains descriptions of the collection on a separate website. Additionally, there are digitized images of select items available on the website. This website is routinely updated but does not contain the whole of the collection. If you are interested in requesting researching support or in arranging a research appointment, please contact the Town Archivist to discuss your request. 


Watch Town Archivist Claire McDonald speak with Montgomery Municipal Cable about the 125th Anniversary of Garrett Park. 

The Mission of the Archives and Eligible Donations
The mission of the Town Archives is to provide easy and open access to and awareness of the rich history of the Town of Garrett Park and its residents. It is responsible for collecting, preserving, interpreting, promoting, and making available research materials related to the town’s heritage and unique identity. The Archives also services as the town’s official Records Management Center for inactive town records.

In support of this mission, donations of documents, photographs, memorabilia, and other materials are welcomed. There is special interest in primary source materials that:

• Contribute to understanding the social, cultural, economic, and political history of Garrett Park.
• Were created or received by Garrett Park residents, families, or citizens groups and organizations.
• Reflect unrepresented or under-represented groups.
• Offer new and unique perspectives.
• Highlight the impact of regional, national, or world events on Garrett Park residents.
• Provide insights into Garrett Park’s earliest residents.

For more information about donating to the Garrett Park Town Archives and to obtain a Donor Agreement Form, please contact the Town Archivist at Archives@GarrettParkMD.gov.