Call for Exhibitors & Performers

We are seeking individuals, families, and groups OF the culture they represent to create engaging exhibits or performances that showcase their heritage and its contributions to American life. Please complete the form to participate ASAP and no later than Friday, March 6, 2026.

Cultures may include:

• Ethnic: Filipino, Latino, Irish, Indian, Mexican, Thai, French, German, Piscataway, Peruvian, Ghanaian…
• Community & Identity: Deaf, watermen, Mennonite, Amish, military, scouting…
• Family & Regional Traditions: Unique customs passed down through generations

Your exhibit or performance should:

• Educate and engage attendees of all ages
• Include interactive elements such as games, crafts, music, clothing, dance, language, storytelling…
• Be family-friendly and culturally authentic
• Comply with health department guidelines (food must be prepared in a commercial kitchen if served). Many local restaurants may be happy to donate samples.  If you cannot meet health department guidelines, you can share recipes instead.

Why Participate?

• Share your culture with pride
• Teach others and build understanding
• Celebrate the diversity that strengthens our nation
• Be part of a historic milestone—America’s 250th anniversary

Teachers Engage Students in The American Tapestry Festival through Project-Based Learning

Dear Educators,

We invite you and your students to be part of The American Tapestry: A Festival of Cultures, a community-wide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. This event offers a meaningful opportunity for students to explore and present their cultural heritage or community traditions through project-based learning—while meeting key Maryland State Social Studies, ELA, Fine Arts and World Language  Standards.

Please complete the form to participate ASAP and no later than Friday, March 6, 2025

Why Participate?

• Student-led exhibits and performances can be designed to:
• Explore cultural identity and heritage
• Investigate historical contributions of diverse groups to American society
• Promote civic engagement and community awareness
• Develop disciplinary literacy through research, writing, and presentation

Standards Alignment

Participation supports multiple Maryland Social Studies Standards, including:

• Standard 1.0 – Civics: Encourages civic reasoning and responsible citizenship
• Standard 2.0 – Peoples of the Nations and World: Recognizes multiple narratives and cultural diversity
• Standard 3.0 – Geography: Examines the role of culture and environment in shaping human activity
• Standard 5.0 – History: Connects past and present through analysis of cultural contributions
• Standard 6.0 – Skills and Processes: Develops critical thinking, source evaluation, and communication skills through inquiry-based learning [www.maryla…chools.org]

ELA Standards

• Reading Literature (RL.9-10.6, RL.11-12.6): Students analyze cultural perspectives in world literature.
• Writing (W.9-10.2, W.11-12.2): Students write analytical or explanatory essays on cultural practices.
• Speaking & Listening (SL.9-10.4, SL.11-12.4): Students deliver presentations with strategic use of digital media.

Fine Arts, World Languages and other standards may also be supported

Project Guidelines

Students may work individually or in groups to create an exhibit or performance that:

• Represents a culture that at least the lead student is personally connected to
• Includes interactive elements (e.g., games, craft, music, clothing, dance, language, storytelling)
• Educates attendees about the culture’s contributions to American life
• Is family-friendly and engaging for all ages
• Below are a few reminders as you plan for participation:
  • All Festival exhibits and performances must meet the safety rules set forth by Calvert County Public Schools
  • All CCPS students must work in conjunction with a CCPS staff member
  • Laptops and other materials must be provided by participants
  • Some exhibits may be eligible for support through an Arts In Education grant fund from Calvert County Arts Council.

Any other questions or additional requests, contact Robyn Truslow at Calvert Library, Robyn.Truslow@CalvertLibrary.info.

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