Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month

The City of Gaithersburg celebrates and honors Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May with programs and a proclamation highlighting the culture, heritage, and achievements of our Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander neighbors.

An official proclamation designating May 2026 as "Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month" in the City of Gaithersburg will be presented at the Mayor and City Council meeting on Monday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend the meeting at 16 S. Summit Ave., watch it live on YouTube or watch it via Teams by registering here.

Accepting the proclamation is Christine Chin Choy. Christine has lived in Gaithersburg for 16 years and has been an active supporter of the Community Museum, periodically teaching paperfolding and donating origami art models constructed from old Gaithersburg postcards. She has served on the City's Environmental Affairs Committee (EAC) since 2020 and is now its Chair, contributing to work on tree protection, environmental justice, air quality, and sustainable energy sources.

Christine led an EAC workgroup to create the City's annual Fix-It Fair, which helps residents repair items and reduce waste. With City staff, she planned and coordinated the event, from seeking and selecting fixers, to developing outreach plans, event day operations and post-event analysis.

Christine has also shared her expertise as an environmental chemist at the Gaithersburg Women in STEM event, demonstrating how chemistry is used to measure soil, air, and water quality. In addition, she is a representative of the Montgomery County Council of Parent Teacher Associations as the Quince Orchard Cluster Coordinator.

Activities and exhibits celebrating Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

Heritage Month include:

Beginner Hula Dance

April 20 – June 15      

Casey Community Center

Learn the mechanics of basic Hula dance and hand movements in this introductory class.

Ki Aikido Classes

April 22 – June 17

Activity Center at Bohrer Park

Learn the principles and practices of Aikido, a defensive yet powerful discipline known as the "gentle martial art."

Wedding Traditions of India

Friday, May 8, 12:30 – 2 p.m.

Benjamin Gaither Center

Explore the unique wedding customs and rituals of Andhra Pradesh, Bengal, Gujarat, and Punjab. Registration required. (55+ community)

Vinay Desai: Fresh Interpretations of Traditional Indian Classical Music

Saturday, May 9, 8 p.m.

Arts Barn

Santoor virtuoso Vinay Desai invites you on a captivating journey of melody and rhythm.

The Harmonious Art Group Exhibit

May 11 – September 21

Mon. – Thur. 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Fri. 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Artists Reception: May 24, 1:30 - 3 p.m.

Benjamin Gaither Center Gallery

Beautiful exhibit featuring Chinese calligraphy and brush painting.

Make a Fan

May 13 – 17, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Gaithersburg Community Museum

Explore traditional fan making and create your own homemade fan for the Museum's Weekly Challenge.

 

Explore all activities and programs, including registration details and ticket information at https://gburg.md/AANHPI_Month.