What’s New With The Laurel History Boys
Thank You for Supporting Voices of Laurel
We extend our sincere thanks to Janet Willis and James Bowman for their generous monetary donations to Voices of Laurel.
As a free community newspaper, Voices of Laurel depends on grants, advertising, and the generosity of our readers to help cover the cost of producing each issue. In recent years, the cost of printing the newspaper has nearly doubled, making individual contributions especially meaningful. Every donation—large or small—helps offset those rising costs and allows us to continue putting Laurel’s stories, history, people, and community news into print and into the hands of our readers at no charge.
If you enjoy Voices of Laurel and would like to support what we do, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. Information on how to contribute can be found at VoicesofLaurel.com.
To Janet, James, and everyone who has supported us along the way: thank you for investing in local storytelling and in the community we’re proud to serve.
Laurel History Boys 3rd Annual Book Fair
This year’s book fair at Oliver’s Old Towne Tavern was a smashing success. A large crowd was able to meet and mingle with a host of local authors, including Maggie Weber, Jim Clash (Laurel High School class of 1973), Michelle Paris, Murray Siegel, Wayne and Nathan Davis, Bob Dover, Deliah Lawrence, Lisa Trovillion, and, of course, The Laurel History Boys. Representatives from the Laurel Historical Society, the Prince George’s County Historical Society, Voices of Laurel, and the Prince George’s Genealogical Society were also on hand to talk to attendees, as well as our special guest, legendary WHFS DJ “Weasel.”
Presentations
On Nov. 14, the Prince George’s Heritage, Inc. is sponsoring a community symposium titled, “250 Years of Prince George’s County History” at the Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center on Contee Road. The Laurel History Boys are featured speakers and will discuss the extensive research conducted for a variety of our projects and publications. See the flyer below for details. FREE
On Nov. 28, we will be participating in the “Cellar Door Concerts Celebration & Reunion” at the Palisades Hub in Washington, DC. From its humble presence as a small nightclub to when the Capital Centre opened in December 1973, Cellar Door Concerts began its path to becoming one of the biggest concert promoters in the country, soon to be known as Cellar Door Productions. Part reunion, part panel discussion & history lesson, hear first-hand from the people who built Cellar Door Concerts into a music industry powerhouse. Our book, Capital Centre: a Retrospective will be available for sale, and producers Richard Friend, Kevin Leonard, and Jeff Krulik will all be available to sign copies. See the flyer below for details. FREE
In July, Kevin Leonard presented the 1972 “Shooting of George Wallace” at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore. The presentation can be viewed on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/-KPVBdbIRzA
Then, in September, at the Laurel Historical Society, Kevin presented the story of Laurel’s Centennial Celebration in 1970. This is also available online at youtube.com/watch?v=0JTlTFcLs7A
A Cemetery Story
Richard Friend has launched a new video series that uncovers the forgotten lives and stories behind ordinary names found on Laurel’s gravestones. Combining cemetery visits with archival research—including old newspapers, census records, death certificates, maps, and other historical documents—the series explores stories of triumph, hardship, resilience, sacrifice, and mystery, while gently cleaning and preserving the gravestones along the way. Look for a complete article on A Cemetery Story here, or on page 22 of the print edition.
A Day at the Ballpark
Voices of Laurel sponsored a day at the ballpark to reward our hardworking and dedicated volunteer staff. We enjoyed a Chesapeake Baysox game and, much to the delight of our children and grandchildren, it was Star Wars night, with the movie characters roaming the stands and posing for pictures.
Wider Distribution for Voices of Laurel
The list of outlets where printed copies of our newspaper are available continues to grow! Every effort to replenish copies is made throughout the week, with our boxes receiving priority treatment.
Food Lion (Sandy Spring Road)*
Food Lion (Montpelier)
Joseph R. Robison Laurel Municipal Center
Laurel-Beltsville Senior Center
Laurel Branch Library
Laurel Museum
Laurel Post Office*
Laurel Train Station*
Maryland City at Russett Library*
Montpelier Arts Center
North Laurel Community Center
Oliver’s Old Towne Tavern*
Robert J. DiPietro Community Center*
Savage Library
Savage Mill (More Than Java Café)
Savage Post Office*
Victoria Falls Community Center
*Voices of Laurel newspaper box or rack on site
Our Commitment
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. — First Amendment to the United States Constitution
The staff of Voices of Laurel takes very seriously the responsibilities that come with being part of a free press. We also uphold and promote the ideals of free speech as guaranteed by the First Amendment.
As historians and journalists, we are committed to preserving the history of Laurel by telling its story through the voices of its people; telling that story honestly, both the good and the bad; giving a voice to the history of minorities and women; and reporting in a non-partisan fashion.
Voices of Laurel is staffed by an incredibly talented and dedicated group of volunteers who make this commitment to our equally dedicated readers. We owe our readers—and ourselves—nothing less.
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