Welcome

In 1890, a new kind of neighborhood began to take shape on former farmland at the edge of Washington, D.C. The modern planned community of Chevy Chase, Maryland was designed to take advantage of a revolutionary mode of rapid transit: the streetcar. This electric-powered conveyance made commuting from a home in the country to work in the nation’s capital fast, easy and convenient. Residents of Chevy Chase enjoyed the best of both worlds – and they made the most of each! 

Today’s residents and members of the Chevy Chase Historical Society protect and treasure the character of their community while they welcome the best aspects of the future. We welcome you to join us – and to explore our history.

A Message from CCHS:

Like so many of you, we at CCHS have been deeply affected by the death of George Floyd and the ensuing events throughout the country. We feel the same shock, sadness and anger that are reverberating across our community, our nation, and indeed the entire world. Even as we struggle with the public health and economic crises of the COVID pandemic, the racial injustice of our past and our present has been laid bare.

We at CCHS stand shoulder to shoulder with those fighting for human equality, social justice, and the dignity of every individual. Our community’s history of accomplishment is accompanied by a history of racial and religious discrimination and inequity. Acknowledging that fact is part of CCHS’ mission to collect, record, interpret and share our local history. We must learn from our history, and also unlearn the attitudes and behaviors that manifest injustice or bias.

Now more than ever, CCHS commits to the values of inclusion, empathy, humility, and respect for all persons. We will move forward with open hearts, open minds, and open arms.

Mary A. Sheehan
President
and the CCHS Board of Directors

Corona Chronicles

The Chevy Chase Historical Society is documenting the history Chevy Chase residents are all making as we manage life during COVID-19. Add your story to the CCHS Corona Chronicles!

We are collecting photos, videos, journal and diary entries, voice and audio recordings and other digital evidence of life in our community during this unprecedented time. Tell us about how you are coping, what you are thankful for, and the “silver linings” you’ve discovered. Write to us about your experiences working from home, social distancing, attending school remotely, and more.

Share your story using this form.

To use our form, you will need a Google account. If you do not have one, email your materials to CoronaChronicles@chevychasehistory.org.

Your stories will become part of the broader history of Chevy Chase during this challenging time, and a resource for future historians. CCHS will feature select submissions in occasional emails and on social media. Sign up for our email list and follow us on Facebook to see these submissions.

Visit the CCHS Archive & Research Center After calling the Chevy Chase Library home for more than 15 years, the CCHS Archive and Research Center has moved to a larger space at 8401 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 1010 in historic Chevy Chase Lake. Drop by without an appointment on Tuesdays, between 10am and noon or 1pm and 3pm. Or call to make an appointment.