Gaithersburg Celebrates Native American Heritage Month

GAITHERSBURG, Md. (October 29, 2025) The City of Gaithersburg celebrates and honors Native American Heritage Month in November with an educational presentation and proclamation highlighting the culture, heritage, and achievements of our Native American neighbors.

An official proclamation designating November 2025 as "Native American Heritage Month" in the City of Gaithersburg was presented during the October 20 Mayor and City Council meeting. View the presentation here.

To commemorate Native American Heritage Month, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture presents an educational display at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park during the month of November. The exhibit explores the history of Maryland's native lands and shares noteworthy achievements in weaving, painting, pottery making, narrative storytelling, and songs, chants, and poetry used for rituals and ceremonies. Visitor will also learn about how Native Americans cultivated many of the world's most important crops, including beans, squash, potatoes, and tomatoes. Viewing hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Gaithersburg Community Museum will also host a Weekly Challenge from November 5 through 9, inviting visitors of all ages to drop in and create a traditional Native American craft while learning about its cultural significance. The Community Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Tuesday by appointment.

Native and indigenous people have significantly contributed to the rich fabric of history and culture we celebrate in our community. While Native Americans represent less than 1% of Gaithersburg's population, according to the 2020 Census, we recognize that our City stands on land originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples. This month serves not only to celebrate Native cultures but also to reflect on the complex histories and ongoing legacies of Native communities across the country. By acknowledging Native American Heritage Month, we reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity, respect, and historical awareness.

The U.S. government officially recognizes 574 tribes in the contiguous 48 states and Alaska. In Maryland, there are residents who represent these Nations as well as some of the more than 500 tribes from Latin America and the Caribbean. The Nation most closely associated with the boundaries of today's Montgomery County are the Piscataway. The state of Maryland officially recognized the Piscataway Conoy Tribe and the Piscataway Indian Nation in 2012.

The mission of the Multicultural Affairs Committee is to enrich our City through the promotion of understanding, respect, and appreciation of the many cultures of Gaithersburg. Interested in volunteering and helping plan Heritage Month celebrations? Please email MAC@gaithersburgmd.gov.