We Speak for Free!
Need a speaker for your organization? The Laurel History Boys would love to speak to your group—and, best of all, it’s free! We tailor our presentation to your organization’s interests. In addition to Richard Friend and Kevin Leonard spinning tales from Laurel’s rich history, Pete Lewnes exhibits items from his vast collection appropriate to the topic.
We’re adding new topics all the time—click below for more info, and check back often!
When the Laurel Shopping Center opened in 1956, it was one of the first shopping centers between Baltimore and DC. It forever changed the retail habits of the entire Laurel region. How many original stores can you name? Presented to: Laurel-Beltsville Senior Center, Savage Historical Society, Women’s Club of Laurel
Learn about the debt and delays behind the building of Laurel’s Maryland City community. Presented to: Friends of Montpelier, Maryland City Library
Take a literal walk through Main Street’s history with Richard Friend! This is an actual walking tour, from the Laurel Museum to the B & O Train Station, complete with vintage photos and little-known, block-by-block historical details. Presented to: Laurel Historical Society
Hear the story of a 17-year-old whose 1911 attempted robbery of the Citizens National Bank on Main Street became national news. The story came with a twist that was revealed at the Kid’s trial. Presented to: Laurel Historical Society
New details were uncovered about the shooting at Laurel Shopping Center after gaining access to the investigation files of the FBI and Prince George’s County Police Department. Even if you’ve closely followed the media coverage of this event, you will be astonished at the new information. Presented to: North Laurel 50+ Center, Victoria Falls Seniors Community
Separate fact from fiction in the story of this legendary local landmark. The remarkable history includes scandal, murder, and some famous patients. Presented to: Laurel-Beltsville Senior Center
Two gigantic projects were proposed, one in the 1970s and the other in the 1990s, that would have changed the economic and geographic landscape of the Laurel area had they come to fruition. Both were defeated by public opposition. What were they? Presented to: Laurel-Beltsville Senior Center, Savage Historical Society
Between the mid-1950s and the mid-1960s, Laurel experienced an extraordinary housing boom in four areas: West Laurel, the Fairlawn District, the Route 197 corridor, and Maryland City. Learn how it all came about. Presented to: Friends of Montpelier, Maryland City Library
Enjoy rare, original photos and artifacts from Laurel’s history, and hear about their origin and significance from collector extraordinaire, Pete Lewnes.
From Laurel Plaza to Fort Meade, revisit the stores and restaurants that served Maryland City. Presented to: Maryland City Library
Hear the story of when some of the biggest names in pop music, including five acts that played at Woodstock a month later, participated in a two-day Laurel Pop Festival at Laurel Race Course. Presented to: Laurel Historical Society
Richard Friend gives a special presentation on the 1982 murder that shocked Laurel, and remained unsolved for 30 years. Learn how his Lost Laurel blog post played a role in cold case detectives taking a fresh look, and the DNA hit that finally brought justice. Presented to: Laurel Historical Society, Laurel Police Department
The list of community organizations that have enjoyed our presentations grows all the time. Contact us today and get us on your calendar!
Ann Arrundell County Historical Society
Antonio Gatto Lodge of the Sons of Italy
City of Laurel (Mayors’ Roundtable)
Fort Meade 100 Years Documentary Premiere
Friends of Montpelier
Howard County Historical Society
Laurel-Beltsville Senior Center
Laurel High School Career Day
Laurel High School Class of 1975 Reunion
Laurel High School Spartan Historical Society
Laurel Historical Society
Laurel Police Department (Stefanie Watson Cold Case presentation)
Maryland City Library
Savage Historical Society
Victoria Falls Senior Community
Women’s Club of Laurel