This book has been published in accordance with the Tricentennial Celebration Citizens Committee goals
and objectives, as follows:
Mission/Vision Statement:
Develop an overall program of unity and pride in the past, present and future of Prince George's County
on the occasion of the County's 300th anniversary involving the total
community.
Goals:
To create a group of enduring artifacts that commemorate the
Tricentennial celebration. (Physical)
To stimulate a sense of interest and excitement in our past, present and
future. (Festivals/Events)
To initiate, recognize, encourage, nurture, and invigorate programs that
celebrate the richness and diversity of our County's heritage. (Cultural)
Specific Objectives:
To promote a favorable County image and encourage tourism through the
development of permanent projects that will endure after the Tricentennial.
To educate the public through a variety of media presentations, lecture
series, and productions (Cultural)
To produce a body of printed and audio-visual materials that will remain
a continuing and archival resource. (Cultural)
To offer many festivals/events (integrating and incorporating existing
traditional festivals/events) throughout the year that celebrate the
County's Tricentennial. (Festivals/Events)
To promote a sense of accomplishment and excitement about the future of
Prince George's County. (Cultural: Festivals/Events)
To strive to provide opportunities of inclusions for all Prince
Georgians while promoting tourism. (Festivals/Events)
This bibliography may be copied for private use without permission from the author.
This publication is distributed at no charge.
Suggested additions or comments may be addressed to:
Phase I Bibliography
Frederick S. DeMarr Library of County History
Prince George's County Historical Society
P.O. Box 14
Riverdale, MD 20738
The CELEBRATION of the County's three hundredth birthday in the year
1996 presents an interesting and challenging opportunity to further
our knowledge and appreciation of our interesting history. Events
leading up to the establishment of the County in 1696 and the role we
have played in local, state, and national events over three hundred
years reflect a diverse and varied experience in participation and
contribution toward our present state of affairs.
Many of these events are reported and interpreted in written
documents, in various forms from printed books, newsprint, personal
essays, and so forth. It is our goal to provide maximum opportunities
for all Prince Georgians and interested friends to become familiar
with the richness and diversity of our County's heritage.
This initial central bibliography is intended to provide a needed
resource to enable readers and students to seek and locate those
existing materials which relate to their interest and inquiry. A
first-time useful guide to sources where these materials can be found
is another valuable contribution of this publication.
Several knowledgeable and respected local historic authorities were
asked to evaluate this initial undertaking to determine its readiness
for release to the public. Their comments follow.
"The Bibliographical Resource Guide to Prince George's County
Historical Literature by Linda Blachly is a definite contribution to
the study of our local history for both scholars and persons having a
general interest as well. It provides information on the location of
the materials in local County libraries, thus saving the researcher
many hours which ordinarily might be spent in searching. I feel that
the document should be published in order to aid and encourage
research and reading on topics dealing with our local history and
culture."
-- Fred S. DeMarr, Historian, Prince George's County Historical
Society
"I feel very strongly that the Bibliography is a wonderful product --
much needed and very timely."
-- Karen Miles, Archivist, Prince George's County Genealogical Society
"The Citizens Committee employed Mrs. Linda Blachly to compile a
bibliography of historical resources in the County library and County
collections. Unexpectedly, Mrs. Blachly found and listed a wealth of
materials. She listed the sites of these and, an unexpected benefit,
she has in effect virtually created a catalog of many heretofore not
cataloged collections. This document will provide researchers in a
variety of fields with a wealth of information on the County's past
and present."
-- Vera F. Rollo, Author & Publisher, Maryland Historical Press
"Linda Blachly has done a phenomenal job of pulling together a working
bibliography of historical resources for Prince George's County.
Anyone undertaking new research or searching for background on any
aspect of County organizations, either voluntary or official, will do
well to start with this compilation."
-- Virginia Beauchamp, Author, Specialist in Women's History
When I first was approached about compiling a bibliography of historical sources for Prince George's
County, I had no idea about how complex the task would be, or how much information was out there
Our initial thought was that it would be a small, but useful document. But, the more I got into the
project, unearthing many resources from various places around the County, both published and
unpublished, the mountain of material began to grow and grow.
The purpose of this bibliography is to provide a list of sources to aid those who wish to do research on
various topics in the County for the Tricentennial, coming up in 1996. R~use of the volume of
material stored away in many places throughout the County, this is by no means a complete product.
But, it is hoped that the various sources in this document will prove useful to point a researcher into the
right direction. We consider this a Phase I effort, with many updates and
revisions to come.
Prince George's County is a County rich in history. This Phase I document contains many gold nuggets
of information we hope you will find useful in your search for County
treasures.
Prince George's County contains many pillars in its communities who are involved in various capacities
throughout the County purely because of their love for its heritage. They love County history and never
tire of learning new and interesting things about the place they call home.
One such pillar in the County is Fred DeMarr. Mr. DeMarr has collected all kinds of historical
documents for many, many years in the Prince George's County Historical Society Library. Many items
in the "Fred DeMarr Library" are part of his personal collection. He has donated many documents
because he wants to pass on a very valuable gift to all who come in ~ the gift of knowledge. After
spending time listening to many tidbits He freely shares, you can't help but come away with a renewed
appreciation of the County.
Thanks also go to Dr. Vera F. Rollo, president of Maryland Historical Press, for giving support and
enthusiasm to this project. I consider Dr. Rollo another pillar in the County. A friend and colleague,
she is always willing to give a helping hand wherever needed.
I would like to thank the staff of the History Division, M-NCPPC, for turning me loose in their library
and for giving much-needed help. Thanks specifically go to Susan Helmann
and John Walton, Jr.
Thanks to others who reviewed earlier versions of the manuscript: Fred DeMarr; Karen Miles, an
archivist at the Prince George's County Genealogical Society; Virginia Beauchamp, former member
Prince George's County Commission for Women, former assoc. professor Dept. of English, UMCP,
and former special assist. to the President, UMCP, on women's issues; Jane Eagen, president, Prince
George's County Historical Society and Chairman of the Administrative Board of the Tricentennial
Celebration Citizen's Commission.
Alice Ferguson Foundation [AFF], 2001 Bryan Point Rd., Accokeek, MD 20607, 301-292-5665
A non-profit organization operated exclusively for educational and
charitable purposes. The Foundation, in
cooperation with the Prince George s and Charles County schools of Southern Maryland and the National Park
Service, operates an educational program to introduce students to the historically rich natural environment on the
Potomac River across from Mount Vernon.
Beltsville Agriculture Research Library, Beltsville, MD, 301-504-5755
Board of Education, Prince George's County, Sasscer Admin. Bldg., 14201
School Lane, Upper Marlboro, MD, 301-952-6000. Includes the Alice Ferguson Center, Accokeek, MD, 301-292-S665.
Special Collections: Journals of the Board of School Commissioners,
1865-1921; Journals of the Prince George's
County Board of Education, 1921-present; Prince George's School Archives, Dept. of Plant Maintenance.
Bowie State University Library, Bowie, MD, 301~7222
College Park Airport Museum & Library, 6709 Corporal Frank Scott Dr.,
College Park, MD 20740, 301-864-1530.
800-1000 volumes of books on general aviation, the history of flight
from World W~r II to the present day. Also
contains law books and manuals and books specifically about College Park.
Nothing circulates.
Hours: W TH FR 11-3
SAT SUN 11-5
Daughters of the American Revolution [DAR], 1776 D St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20006
Special Collections: Newspapers (see NEWSPAPER CATEGORY) - Planter's
Advocate~ 1851-1861; The Prince Georgian, 1867- 1870; Prince Georgia's
Enquirer, 1884-1923; Marlboro Gazette, 1841-1898.
Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc. [GPC], 111 Water Street, Baltimore,
MD 21202
Special Collections: Archives of Maryland; Reports of the Maryland State
Board of Education, 1876-1921; National Intelligencer (microfilm),
1745-1839; U.S. Federal Census, Prince George's County, MD, 1790-1910; 1755
Maryland Population Enumeration; Maps of Prince George's County, MD, 1861 Martinet; 1878 and 1894 G.M.
Hopkins.
Howard University, 2400 6th St., N.W., Washington, D.C., 202-806-6100
Special Collections: Moorland-Spingarn Research Collection;
Moorland-Spingarn Research Center; Founder's Library.
Jefferson Patterson Library, 10515 Mackall Road, St. Leonard, MD -20685,
410-586~050
Library of Congress [LC], Main Building, First St., Washington, D.C.
20540, 202-707-6500
Special Collections: Black History Newspapers - The Afro American,
1896-1920; The Colored American, 1898-
1904; The Washington Bee, 1882-1922; The National Intelligencer, The
Maryland Gazette, The Evening/Washington Star, The Washington Post, The
Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Sun Almanacs, 1876-19 IS; The Negro Historical
Bulletin, The Journal of Negro History; The Crises Magazine;
Proceedings of the Board of School Commissioners, 1865-
1922; The Journal of Southern History; Maryland Historical Magazine, The
Christian Recoder.
Martin Luther King Memorial Library, 901 G St., NW, Washington, D.C.
20001, 202-727-1111
Maryland Historical Society Library [MHSL], 201 W. Monument St.,
Baltimore, MD 21401, 410-685-3750
Maryland Room, Prince George's Co. Memorial Library System [MD Room,
PGCML] 6530 Adelphi Rd., Hyattsville, MD 20782
Maryland Genealogical Society Library [MGSL], 201 W. Monument St.,
Baltimore, MD 21201
Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission [M-NCPPC], History
Division, 4302 Baltimore Ave., Bladensburg,
MD 20710, 301-779-2011; TTY 301-779-5321. Call for appointment. Nothing circulates.
Special Collections: Research Notebooks on Adelphi Mill History,
1794-1951; Billingsley Research, Bladensburg
Duelling Grounds, The Cottage Historical Research; Marietta Mansion
Restoration; Gabriel Duvall Biographical Info., 18th-19th century;
Montpelier Mansion Historical Research; Mt. Airy Research; Riversdale Mansion
Restoration; Mary Surratt House Research; Surratt House Restoration of
Kitchen; Thrift School; Waring Barn; George Washington House; Population
Statistics, 1710-1870; Buildings Existing in Prince George's County Built
Before 1800; Prince George's County Early Patents and Surveys; Rent
Rolls; Slave Statistics Owners; County Fair
Research; Real Property Tax Assessments, 182S-S0; Journal of the Proceedings of the School Board of
Commissioners, 1865-1940; Archives of Maryland, Prince George's County 1755-1784, Levy Books, Early Land
Records, Constables Returns and Wills, Early Church Records, 1800 Federal Census, 1850 Census Records,
Maryland Gazette articles, 1727-1800; Various Patents and Land Records
1714-1915; Clergy in Maryland of the Protestant Episcopal Church, 1860;
Historical and Archeological Research of the William Paca Garden; Fire
Insurance Policies, 1848-1855; Excerpts to the National Intelligencer, 1800-1813; Rent Rolls; Microfilm Collection,
Maryland Gazette 1745-1839; Federal Census Microfilm, 1810-1910; National
Intelligencer, 1800-1845; Gabriel Duvall Manuscripts, Immanuel Brookefield
Microfilm; Prince George's County Historical Sites (including
photographs).
Maryland State Archives/Hall of Records [MSA], 3S0 Rowe Blvd.,
Annapolis, MD 21401, 800-23S 4045 or 410-974-3914
Special Collections: Land and Probate Records dating from 1634 to
present. Birth and death certificates available
beginning in 1875 for Baltimore City and 1898 for the counties. Civil
marriage license records dating from 1777.
Military records of Marylanders dating from the colonial period to the present century. Holdings in original records
are strongest for the American Revolution, but service information from later periods as compiled in published
sources can also be provided. The original service records for most American wars after the Revolution are
available at the National Archives. Publications: A Guide to the holdings
at the Maryland State Archives,
Publication #003,[$5.00], A Guide to Government Records at the Maryland
State Archives, Publication # 770,
[S25.00]. HALL OF RECORDS: Slave Statistics, Prince George's County,
1867-1869; Certificates of Freedom;
Manumissions; Land Records (deeds); Plats; Chancery Records (before
1852); Equity Records; Orphans Court
Proceedings; Wills; Inventories; Indentures; Tax Assessment Books,
1793-1921; Church Records; WPA Church Survey, 1936-1940.
Maryland State Law Library [MSL], Courts of Appeal Building, Rowe Blvd.,
Annapolis, MD 21401
National Archives, Pennsylvania Avenue, 7th & 9th Sts., NW, Washington,
D.C. 20408, 202-501-5400. Please write or telephone before you come.
Special Collections on Black Studies: Microfilm and Bound Volumes
including - Records of the Superintendent of
Ed. for the DC Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands, 1865-1872; Records of the Office to the Sec.
of interior Relating to the Suppression of the African Slave Trade & Negro
Colonization, 1854-1872; The Negro
in the Military Service of the United States, 1639-1886; Minutes of the
U.S. Circuit Court for the District of MD,
1790-1911; Journal of the Board of Trustees and Minutes of the Committees
and Inspectors of the Freedmen's Savings & Trust Co., 1865-1874; Index to
Deposit Ledgers in Branches of the Freedmen's Savings & Trust Co., 1865-1867; Records of the Education
Division of the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands, 1865-
1871; Minutes of the U.S. Circuit Court for the District of MD, 1790-1911;
Records of the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned lands,
Bladensburg, MD; U.S. Federal Census, Prince George's Co., 1790-1910.
Other records include: Ship passenger arrival records (from 1800);
census records (1790-1920); Eastern Cherokee
Applications of the U.S. Court of Claims (1906-1909); veteran's records; genealogical records, including vital
statistics, deeds and wills; population censuses (from 1790); mortality schedules; Indian records (mostly dated from
1830-1940); land records (dated chiefly 1800-1974); naturalization
records (1790-1950); passport applications (1791-
1926); personnel records (civilian employees of the fed. govt. whose service
ended before 1910); claims for pensions
and bounty land; Seaman's Protection Certificate Applications (1808-1866 and 1916-1940); Army, Naval and Marine
Service Records, and volunteers (dating from 1775-1916); Coast Guard Records (1791-1919); vital statistics (from
1884).
National Archives II, 8601 Adelphi Rd., College Park, MD 20740-6001,
301-713-6800
Phone Numbers:
General reference: 301-713-6800
Nixon Pres. Materials Ref.: 301-713-6950
Cartographic reference: 301-713-7040
Motion Picture., Sound & Video ref: 301-713-7060
Electronic Records reference: 301-713-6645
JFK assassination records reference: 301-713-6620
Still Picture reference:
301-713-6625
Research Hours:
MW 8:45 am- 5:00 pm
TU-TH-FR 8:45 am - 9:00 pm
SAT 8:45 am - 4:45 pm
Records currently available for use include the cartographic and
architectural holdings and the Nixon Presidential
Materials, all previously housed in leased space in Alexandria, VA;
electronic records; motion picture, sound and
video records; the JFK Assassination Records Collection; still pictures;
and textual records including (but not limited
to) Record Group (RG 22), Reports of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; RG 48, Records of the Office of the
Secretary of Interior; RG 40, Records of the Dept. of Commerce; RG 81,
Reports of the International Trade Comm.; RG
16, Reports of the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture; RG 7, Reports
of the Bureau of Entomology and Plant
Quarantine; RG 30, Records of the Bureau of Public Roads; RG 197, Records of the Civil Aeronautics Board; and
RG 55, Records of the Govt. of the Virgin Islands; RG 57, Records of the U.S. Geological Survey; RG 70, Records
of the U.S. Bureau of Mines; RG 138, Reports of the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission; and RG 122,
Records of the Federal Trade Commission. Selected records housed in the
National Archives building in
Washington, DC and the Washington National Records Center in Suitland, MD, will relocate to the College Park
building over the next 3 years.
National Archives - Mid Atlantic Region, 9th and Market Streets, Room
1350, Philadelphia, PA 19107, 215-597-3000.
Regional archives preserve and make available for research federal
records of enduring value that were created and
maintained by federal agency field offices. Particularly prominent among these are records of the U.S. District
Courts and Appeals Courts, the Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Customs, and naval
districts and shore establishments. Besides these original records, the
regional archives have microfilm copies of
many records frequently used by genealogists and of many records that are maintained in the Washington-area
facilities. Regional archives holdings document national, regional, state and local activities and interests, and make
each a national resource in a local setting.
National Colonial Farm Museum & Library, 3400 Bryan Point Rd., Accokeek,
MD 20607, 301-283-2113.
Hours: M-F 9-5. Nothing circulates. By appointment only. Books on
agriculture from all viewpoints, colonial
history and many books relating to growing plants, cookbooks, herb gardening. Also Park Service studies done
before Accokeek Foundation was formed.
National Personnel Records Center (Military Records), NARA, 9700 Page
Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132
To request photocopies of records relating to service in World War I or
World War II.
Peabody Library, 17 East Mt. Vernon Place, Baltimore, MD 21202,
410-659-8179
Prince George's County Commission for Women [PGCCW], Dept. of Family
Services, Women's Division, 9201 Basil Ct., Landover, MD; 301-883-5370.
Prince George's Community College Library, 301 Largo Rd., Largo, MD,
301-322-0105
Prince George's County Courthouse, 14735 Main St., Upper Marlboro, MD,
301-952-3655
Land Records, Equity Cases, Plats, Incorporation Records, Wills,
Administration Files - Estate Papers, Marriage
License Records, Chancery Records, Judgment Records.
Prince George's Co. Genealogical Society Library [PGCGSL], 2219 Tulip
Road Drive, Bowie, MD 20718- 0819; 301-262-2063.
Circulating library to members. Open Wednesdays 10 a.m. to dusk, except
first Wednesday of each month, when
library is closed at 1 p.m. Open last Saturday of each month, 1-5 p.m.
Contains: Documents on Church History; Archives & Guides; Heraldry; Family Histories and Genealogies; Foreign
Family Histories; Oral, British and European History; Wars & Immigration, Local History-States; Periodicals,
Foreign Journals; Microfilm and Cassettes.
Prince George's County Genealogical Society, [PGCGS], P.O. Box 819,
Bowie, MD 20718
Prince George's Co. Historical Society [PGCHS], Fred DeMarr Library
[FDML], Marietta Mansion, Bell Station Road,
Glenn Dale, MD 20769, 301-4644590. [Open Saturdays 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. Nothing circulates.]
Prince George's County Memorial Library System [PGCML]
Prince George's County: 
Alice Ferguson Foundation [AFF], 2001 Bryan Point Rd., Accokeek, MD 20607, 301-292-5665
General reference: 301-713-6800
