About us
The Bethesda Historical Society, established in 2019, is an organization of volunteers dedicated to sharing and reflecting on the history of the Bethesda, Maryland area and its diverse residents.
The Society develops events and educational programs focusing on significant locations and important moments in our history.
We are now a 501(c)(3) organization, so donations are tax-deductible!
The Bethesda Historical Society
The story of the Bethesda Historical Society with Society President Wendy Kaufman.
A 6-minute video from Montgomery Municipal Cable.
Our Wonderful Volunteers
President – Wendy Kaufman
Wendy has lived in Bethesda since 1989 and was active with her children’s schools in the Whitman cluster. She earned a B.A. in political science from American University, an M.A. in legislative affairs from The George Washington University, and an M.S. in special education from Johns Hopkins University. She has worked as a legislative aide with the U.S. House of Representatives and as a social studies and special education teacher with Montgomery County Public Schools. Over the years she has volunteered with area historical societies.
Vice-President – David Schardt
David is a retired scientist, history buff, and Bethesda resident since 1986. He also serves on the Board of the Maryland Senior Olympics, the Maryland Citizens Review Board for Children, and on the Montgomery County Sports Advisory Committee. David has been umpiring high school and men’s baseball games in Montgomery County since 2003.
Social Media Director – Stephanie Rigaux
Stephanie is a lifelong Washingtonian with four children through the B-CC cluster. History, antiques and genealogy buff. Owner and Managing Member of DC Estates LLC, large DC area estate sale company..
Secretary – Hank Levine
Hank heads up the Heritage Trail and Tour committee. For the past six years he has been a docent at the Library of Congress, leading tours of the largest library in the world. He has lived in the DMV for 43 years ( 38 of them in Bethesda), where he has been active in community organizations ranging from the Edgemoor Civic Association to Washington Hebrew Congregation (of which he is a Past President and Historian). Hank is a graduate of Yale College (where he was a history minor and led tours for prospective students) and Harvard Law School. He retired from private practice in 2018 after 40 years as a telecommunications/technology lawyer.
Treasurer – Kit Horton
Kit is a graduate of Walt Whitman High School and the University of Vermont Grossman School of Business Masters of Accountancy graduate program. He is an accountant and is preparing for his CPA certification.