November 5, 2025

WHEATON, Md. – The Montgomery County Council approved an amendment to add Timberlawn to Montgomery County’s Master Plan for Historic Preservation. The vote follows the May 2025 recommendation by the Montgomery County Planning Board, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), to historically designate the North Bethesda house where Eunice Kennedy Shriver launched Camp Shriver, a day camp for children with intellectual disabilities that inspired the creation of Special Olympics.

“Timberlawn is a place where history and humanity intersect,” said Planning Board Chair Artie Harris. “It’s where a movement began that changed society’s understanding of inclusion and ability. The Montgomery County Planning Board is proud to help preserve that legacy, and we applaud the County Council for approving the historic designation.”

Read more about listing North Bethesda property, Timberlawn, on county’s Master Plan for Historic Preservation