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 a 501(c)(3) organization, so donations are tax-deductible!
Our Wonderful Volunteers
President – Wendy Kaufman
Wendy has lived in Bethesda since 1989 and has volunteered with area historical societies in DC and Montgomery County. She has an undergraduate degree in political science, and master’s degrees in legislative affairs and special education. She was formerly a U.S. House of Representatives legislative aide, then a Montgomery County Public Schools history and special education teacher. Wendy was a fall 2023 student in The George Washington University’s Museum Collections Management and Care graduate certificate program in an effort to bolster BHS collection preservation work.
Vice-President – David Schardt
David is a retired public health 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, the Montgomery County Sports Advisory Committee, and is a Red Cross volunteer supervisor responding to fires in Montgomery County. David has been officiating high school basketball, football, softball and baseball, as well as men’s baseball, in the County for more than 20 years. His three children attended public schools in Bethesda. David manages the Society’s website.
Secretary – Hank Levine
Hank was a prime mover in our 2023 purchase of the Bethesda Meeting House and helps lead the ongoing effort to preserve/restore the site and turn it into an active community asset. He also regularly leads walking tours of Bethesda and is a frequent speaker on the history of the community. Hank has lived in Bethesda for 48 years, where he has been active in community organizations ranging from the Edgemoor Civic Association to Washington Hebrew Congregation and is a docent and tour guide at the Library of Congress. He retired in 2020 after 44 years as a telecommunications lawyer. Two of his three children and four of his six grandchildren live in Bethesda.
Membership Director – Karen Philipps
Karen moved to Bethesda as a five-year-old. She attended Seven Locks Elementary School and Holton-Arms School before graduating from Williams College and then earning a master’s degree in English at Boston College. She returned to Bethesda as a newlywed in 1999. Karen taught middle school English for 18 years before retiring and starting her own tutoring company. In addition to volunteering with the Bethesda Historical Society, Karen enjoys researching the history of her neighborhood and house. She serves on the board of directors of the Children’s Chorus of Washington as well.
Bethesda Historical Society
4300 Montgomery Avenue #104
Bethesda, MD 20814
Office is open by appointment