Press Release 

For more information:

Pamela Williams, Museums Manager
301-809-3089 or pwilliams@cityofbowie.org

Talk a walk back in “Bowie” time with Dr. James Jacobs from the National Park Service, a nationally recognized authority on William Levitt and his planned communities, as he presents a lecture about Belair at Bowie on Wednesday, March 30th at 7 p.m. the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts.

While a still graduate student, Dr. Jacobs was part of a team from George Washington University that researched Belair at Bowie in 2000.  His continuing interest in post World War two suburban developments, particularly those constructed by developer William Levitt, provide the basis for this lecture. He will examine many aspects of early “Levitt Bowie,” and its growth into the Bowie of 2011. His recently published essay in “Housing Washington,” a collection of essays on development in the DC. suburbs, offers an comprehensive look at a development concept that became incredibly successful here and elsewhere.

Belair at Bowie was one of developer William Levitt’s planned communities, following the famous Levittown developments in Long Island, New York and Levittown, Pennsylvania.  Praised by some for his vision, criticized by others for his cookie cutter homes, and attacked by many for his restrictive policies which restricted African Americans from purchasing new homes here in the early sixties, William Levitt’s story and his Belair at Bowie are a critical and fascinating part of Bowie’s history.

There will be something for everyone in Dr. Jacobs’ presentation. What was the effect of the new Levitt development on Old Bowie?  What changed the Levitt sales policy? What happened to Levitt and Sons after Belair?  Original residents of Levitt Bowie will see their memories in a historical and cultural context – the gold specked walls and landscaped “grounds” are now an important piece of 20th Century America’s social/cultural history.  Residents of Old Town and newer developments learn how the Levitt concept/Belair at Bowie shaped the communities where they live today.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Belair at Bowie and the 95th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Bowie.  It’s a great opportunity to take a look back at all of Bowie’s history, from the earliest days of the Belair Mansion, to the community that grew up around the railroad station in Old Bowie, to Belair at Bowie, and finally to the newer communities that have made Bowie into what it is today.  This lecture is the first in a series of events and programs that are designed to capture our history and celebrate the Bowie of yesterday and today.

The lecture is free; no reservations are required. Attendees are invited to meet Dr. Jacobs at a punch and cookies reception following the lecture and share their memories of Belair at Bowie.  The Bowie Center for the Performing Arts is located next to Bowie High School, at 15200 Annapolis Road.