Damascus Heritage Society urges council to approve long‑term lease for museum preserving local African American history

At a public hearing on Oct. 29, Warren Fleming, government affairs liaison for the Damascus Heritage Society, urged the Montgomery County Council to approve a long‑term lease of a portion of 9701 Main Street in Damascus to host a museum that preserves local African American history.

Fleming recounted the project’s origins in 2003, efforts to convert Inez McAfee’s home into an African American museum, collaboration with the Damascus Alliance Group, formation of the Damascus Heritage Society as a nonprofit, and the development of the museum program and exhibits. He said the museum documents the history of free Black families who settled on Hosey Road after the Emancipation Proclamation and noted the museum now displays roughly 40 exhibits and hosts thousands of visitors during local events.

Fleming said approval of the lease would allow the society to continue its mission of preserving Damascus history and strengthen partnerships with local businesses and government. The council kept the public hearing open briefly while confirming Fleming’s presence online and then heard his testimony; no further speakers were recorded on the lease item in the transcript. The public hearing was then closed.