Alexis Gunderson

(301) 699-3500 x6158

alexis.gunderson@pgcmls.info

Largo, Maryland – This November, the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is celebrating Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month with a variety of engaging programs and events that will shine a spotlight on the rich heritage, diverse cultures, and significant contributions of Indigenous peoples from the Chesapeake region and across the country.  

Highlights from the Library’s Native American and Indigenous Heritage programming lineup include community book discussions about “Yellow Bird” by Sierra Crane Murdoch, “Wandering Stars” by Tommy Orange, and “The Woman in the Woods and Other North American Stories” by Alina Pete, Kate Ashwin, and Kel McDonald; a presentation from the National Cryptologic Museum about Native American code talkers in World War I and II; and a pair of educational programs at the Baden and Accokkeek branch libraries about Indigenous Peoples from the Chesapeake region, past and present. 

Additionally, branches across the library system will be hosting fun, thematic storytimes, craft programs, and film discussions for attendees of all ages. Branches will also be running a variety of engaging STEM-related programs about Mayan math, Iroquois wampum coding, and Navajo weaving. 

Community members are invited to visit the Library’s Native American and Indigenous Heritage Hub for access to book lists, a timeline of important dates in Native American and Indigenous Peoples history, a calendar of library events, and viewing recommendations for streaming platforms, such as Kanopy and Hoopla, that are available with a PGCMLS library card.  

Learn more by visiting: pgcmls.info/native-american-indigenous-peoples-heritage.

Featured PGCMLS Events Celebrating Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month

For a full listing of Native American and Indigenous Heritage events at the library, see the PGCMLS calendar.

Talking in Code

Presented by the National Cryptologic Museum

Free | Wednesday, November 12 at 6 pm | Ages 7-10 | Upper Marlboro Branch Library | Link

Free | Tuesday, November 18 at 6 pm | Ages 7-10 | Hyattsville Branch Library | Link

Get ready for a fun program presented by the National Cryptologic Museum about real-life heroes called “code talkers.” Attendees will learn how these brave Native Americans used secret codes in World War I and II to help protect our country. Kids are invited to celebrate both Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month and Maryland STEM Festival with this inspiring story of bravery, smart thinking, and hidden messages. It’s the perfect program for curious kids and young history buffs! 

Science of Native Life

Presented by the Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum

Free | Wednesday, November 12 at 6 pm | Ages 5-12 | Baden Branch Library | Link

Have you ever wondered what makes an arrow fly straight or what type of rock is best for making a stone knife? Using the techniques of experimental archaeology, we will take a deep dive into the lives of Native Americans living in the Chesapeake region more than 500 years ago. This program is presented by Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum,  which “connects people to the past through history and archaeology and supports the preservation of Maryland's cultural and natural resources.” – from its website. 

Book Discussion: “The Woman in the Woods and Other North American Stories”

Free | Thursday, November 13 at 4:30 pm | Teens | Bladensburg Branch Library | Link

Join a thoughtful conversation about “The Woman in the Woods and Other North American Stories” by Alina Pete, Kate Ashwin, and Kel McDonald. This is the fifth volume of the “Cautionary Fables and Fairytales” graphic anthology series.  Participants are invited to share their insights, hear different perspectives, and connect with fellow readers.

Indigenous Maryland: The Culture of Mishoonash

Free | Saturday, November 15 at 2 pm | Kids, Teens, Adults | Accokeek Branch Library | Link

In this afternoon cultural program, you’re invited to learn about the past and present culture of Mishoonash, which is the northeastern Algonquin word for “boat.” Participants will explore how east coast nations built and conquered the numerous waterways of what’s now known as the North American continent, and attendees will also learn how these communities continue to keep their traditions alive today. 

Solidarity Stories: Community Led Book Discussion – “Yellow Bird” by Sierra Crane Murdoch

Free | Tuesday, November 18 at 6:30 pm | Adults | miXt Food Hall | Link

Join the Mount Rainier Branch Library and Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights for a monthly book club! This month they will be discussing “Yellow Bird: Oil, Murder, and a Woman's Search for Justice in Indian Country” by Sierra Crane Murdoch. 

Book Discussion: “Wandering Stars” by Tommy Orange

Free | Wednesday, November 19 at 6:30 pm | Adults | Virtual Branch | Link 

In honor of Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month, this month’s discussion is about Tommy Orange’s “Wandering Stars,” which traces the legacies of the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864 and the Carlisle Indian Industrial School through to the shattering aftermath of Orvil Red Feather’s shooting in Orange’s previous book, “There There.”

To discuss coverage opportunities, contact PGCMLS Communications Specialist Alexis Gunderson at alexis.gunderson@pgcmls.info.

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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.