Thursday, June 25
10:30 a.m.
Talbot Avenue Bridge
4th Avenue and Grace Church Road in Silver Spring
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, Maryland Delegate Jared Solomon, and community leaders will unveil a commemorative plaque honoring the life and legacy of Charlotte Coffield, former president of the Lyttonsville Community Civic Association, on Thursday, June 25 at the Talbot Avenue Bridge in Silver Spring. The ceremony will recognize Coffield’s lifelong dedication to preserving the history and cultural heritage of African Americans in the County.
The Talbot Avenue Bridge has long been a symbol of the County’s complex history, serving as an enduring reminder of both physical division and racial segregation. For decades, the single‑lane, wooden and steel structure served as the only point of access from the historically Black neighborhood of Lyttonsville in Silver Spring to the surrounding neighborhoods and Washington, D.C. The original 100‑year‑old bridge was removed in spring 2019 to make way for construction of the Purple Line. It was replaced with a new bridge in 2024.
Coffield was a lifelong resident of Lyttonsville and passionate community activist who dedicated her life to service. In 2019, she received the County’s Roscoe R. Nix Distinguished Community Leadership Award, which honors individuals who make extraordinary contributions to the quality of life in Montgomery County.
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Charlotte Coffield passed away in September 2024 at the age of 91. Her legacy of advocacy, leadership, and love for Lyttonsville continues to guide and inspire residents throughout the County. With the installation of a commemorative plaque, the County honors that legacy and ensures that future generations remember Charlotte Coffield’s enduring impact on the community and the bridge that meant so much to her.
WHAT: Unveiling of Dr. Charlotte Coffield commemorative plaque at Talbot Avenue Bridge
WHEN: Thursday, June 25 at 10:30 a.m.
WHO:
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- Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich
- Maryland District 18 Delegate Jared Solomon
- Representative from County Councilmember Kate Stewart’s office
- Myra Coffield (Charlotte Coffield’s daughter)
WHERE: Talbot Avenue Bridge (4th Avenue/Grace Church Road on the north side of the Talbot Avenue Bridge. There is no parking on the Rosemary Hills school property.)
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Read the original article at mcgov