Thursday, October 29, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alexis Gunderson
(301) 699-3500, ext. 6158
alexis.gunderson@pgcmls.info
Largo, Maryland – This November, the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) will host nearly 40 special programs and events in observance of Native American Heritage Month.
Ranging from specially themed storytimes and film screenings to engaging and informative STEM, art, and book discussion offerings, the Library’s Native American Heritage Month programming slate honors and spotlights the diverse cultures and significant contributions of Indigenous peoples from the Chesapeake region and across the country.
Of particular note this year are three special programs on Piscataway Conoy history and cultural practices presented by Troi Madison Newman of the Piscataway Conoy tribe, as well as a return visit from the Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, whose team will be presenting a “Native American History Rocks” program for elementary students at the Baden Library on the evening of November 4. Additional highlights from this year’s calendar include six book discussion programs for tweens, teens, and adults that will invite readers to gather, listen, and learn from others in their library community.
“We are thrilled to present this diverse selection of events to honor our Native American neighbors and those who came before us,” says PGCMLS Library Director Catherine Hollerbach. “These programs allow us to share and explore these histories in order to better understand and appreciate the deep and lasting influence of Indigenous culture, and to learn about and celebrate the contemporary culture and practices of Indigenous communities both in Prince George’s County and beyond.”
Complete details for featured PGCMLS Native American Heritage Month events are below. For a full overview of Native American Heritage Month events at PGCMLS, please visit the Native American Heritage Hub.
As always, all PGCMLS programs and events are free to the community!
Presented by the Jefferson Patterson Museum
Wednesday, November 4 at 5 pm | Ages 5-12 | Baden Library | Link
Kids are invited to have a learning adventure celebrating Native American Heritage Month, where they will explore the many, and sometimes surprising, ways Native Americans used stones in their daily lives. This program is presented by the Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, a Calvert County organization that “connects people to the past through history and archaeology and supports the preservation of Maryland's cultural and natural resources.” – from the Jefferson Patterson website
Presented by Dr. Robert Chester, Senior Lecturer, U.S. Latino/a Studies and American Studies, University of Maryland
Monday, November 9 at 7 pm | Adults | Hyattsville Library | Link
At this month’s “Independent Film Series” screening at the Hyattsville Branch Library, community members are invited to watch the 1998 coming-of-age comedy “Smoke Signals” (dir. Chris Eyre) written by — and based on short stories by — Sherman Alexie. Special guest speaker Dr. Robert Chester, senior lecturer of U.S. Latino/a Studies and American Studies at the University of Maryland, will join the program to lead participants in discussion. (1 hour and 29 minutes, rated PG-13)
Presented by Troi Madison Newman
Saturday, Nov. 14 at 1 pm | Teens and Adults | Glenarden Library | Link
Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 6:30 pm | Teens and Adults | Accokeek Library | Link
In this program, Troi Madison Newman — a Black-Indigenous legal advocate and enrolled member of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe — will discuss the history of tribal wellness, specifically touching on sage, sweetgrass, cedar, and tobacco, sharing how the Piscataway Conoy Tribe uses tobacco for wellness. She will also explain traditional sage practices. Each individual will be provided their own ethically sourced, indigenous-grown sage bundle for smudging. Sage will be available for 25 customers on a first-come, first-served basis.
Note: This program has been sponsored by the PGCMLS Foundation.
Monday, November 16 at 4 pm | Ages 5-12 | Laurel Library | Link
At this special Native American Heritage Month “STEM Fun” program, kids will get to learn about Mayan math — including the concepts of base-20 counting and stacked numerals — through interactive challenges that spark curiosity and creativity.
Presented by Troi Madison Newman
Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 6:30 pm | Teens and Adults | New Carrollton Library | Link
In this program, Troi Madison Newman — a Black-Indigenous legal advocate and enrolled member of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe — will invite participants into a hands-on experience to learn about the ancestral homelands and history of the Piscataway people. Following an engaging presentation, participants will explore the cultural significance of sweet fry bread and learn how to prepare this traditional food. Participants will also receive an at-home fry bread kit to continue the experience and make their own. Sweet fry bread kits will be available for 25 customers on a first-come, first-served basis.
Note: This program has been sponsored by the PGCMLS Foundation.
Thursday, November 19 at 4 pm | Ages 5-12 | Beltsville Library | Link
At this special Native American Heritage Month “STEM Fun” program, kids will explore the intersection of history and technology with hands-on activities inspired by Iroquois wampum while engaging in an interactive afternoon that brings science, coding, and cultural heritage to life.
Multiple dates and times | Multiple locations | Link
Book Discussion: "Swim Home to the Vanished" by Brendan Shay Basham
Saturday, November 14 at 2 pm | Teens and Adults
Bladensburg Library | Link
True Crime Book Discussion: “Yellow Bird" by Sierra Crane Murdoch
Monday, November 16 at 12 pm | Adults
Upper Marlboro Library | Link
Solidarity Stories: “The Berry Pickers”
Co-presented with the Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights
Tuesday, November 17 at 6:30 pm | Adults
miXt Food Hall | Link
Graphic Novel Book Discussion – Tweens
Wednesday, November 18 at 4 pm | Ages 9-12
Oxon Hill Library | Link
Book Discussion: “Hula” by Jasmin ‘Iolani Hakes
Wednesday, November 18 at 6:30 pm | Adults
Virtual Event | Link
Book Discussion: "The Plague of Doves" by Louise Erdrich
Saturday, November 21 at 3 pm | Adults
Hyattsville Library | Link
To discuss coverage opportunities, members of the media can contact PGCMLS Communications Specialist Alexis Gunderson at alexis.gunderson@pgcmls.info.
About the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System
The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is a beacon within its diverse and dynamic community. The Library serves Prince George’s County, Maryland’s 966,000+ residents through 19 public branches, a law library in the County Correctional Center, various pop-up services and events, and 24/7 access to free online resources. As a trusted and responsive community leader, PGCMLS democratizes knowledge and opportunity by providing safe, accessible spaces where customers of all backgrounds can freely engage with the resources needed to build knowledge, literacy, skills, and creativity at every phase of life. Learn more at pgcmls.info/about-us.