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Cultural Celebrations
- Black History Month
- Women's History Month
- Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- Pride Month
- Hispanic Heritage Month
- Jewish American Heritage Month
February is Black History Month! We invite residents and employees to join in the celebration this month and every month of the year by checking out some of the resources* below.
Black History Month 2022 Proclamation Video
The City of Frederick Employee Recognition Video 2022: Black History Month
The City of Frederick Black History Month Celebration 2023: Video
History of Black History Month
Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. This annual celebration recognizes the achievements of African Americans and acknowledges their central role in U.S. history. You can find more history on the origins of Black History Month on the federal African American History Month website or the History Channel's feature on Black History Month.
Local Black Community in Frederick
- 15,486 community members identify as Black or African American, according to 2020 Esri Demographics
- The community includes youth, parents, families, LGBTQ+, people of faith, and more.
- Learn more about the history of the Black community of Frederick past and present on the Heritage Frederick website.
Frederick Celebrates Black History Month
Looking to shop or attend events to celebrate? Check out these local opportunities!
- Downtown Frederick Partnership offers a list of Black-owned businesses in the downtown area or you can support a Black-owned restaurant in Maryland
- Learn about the African American heritage in Frederick by walking the African American Sites Walking Tour provided by Visit Frederick
Recommended Resources
- Read featured profiles as part of Frederick County Public Schools' Black History Month celebration.
- Read Frederick County Public Schools' Black History Month LibGuide, featuring books and resources for all ages.
- Find a comprehensive list of book, video, and movie titles for kids, teens, and adults as part of Frederick County Public Library's Building Bridges program.
*Note: Many of the links included in the following content sections are to third party websites. The City of Frederick does not endorse any of the following products or services and the quality of each website will vary.
Women’s History Month Proclamation Video
The City of Frederick Employee Recognition Video: Women’s History Month
History of Women’s History Month
Since 1978, March has been designated to the recognition and celebration of Women’s achievements and contributions to history and society. Women’s History Month first began as a week-long celebration in Santa Rose, California held during the same week as International Women’s Day which is March 8. As the movement began to popularize throughout the country, President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8th Women’s History Week. Succeeding presidents continued to do so until Congress passed Public Law 100-9, between 1988 and 1994, designating March as Women’s History Month. You can find more information on the history of Women’s History month on the official Women’s History Website, or the federal Women’s History Month website.
Local Female Community in Frederick
- 51.5 percent of city residents identify as female, according to 2021 Census
- The City is home to approximately 2,403 women-owned businesses or firms
- There have been plenty of well-known female residents in Frederick – learn more about them on the Heritage Frederick website!
Frederick Celebrates Women’s History Month
Looking to shop or attend events to celebrate? Check out these local opportunities!
- Celebrate the strong women of Frederick by walking the Women of Frederick Tour provided by Visit Frederick.
- Dine at one of Frederick’s many women-owned restaurants, such as Glory Dough and Diner or Attaboy Barrel House, or shop at a women-owned business.
- Attend a performance at the Weinberg Center for the Arts, such as comedian Paula Poundstone (March 26th), or the Celtic group Cherish the Ladies (March 20th).
Recommended Resources
- Visit the National Park Service women’s history month website to learn more or reflect on women's contributions of past and present and find opportunities to celebrate at any of the more than 400 national parks across the country.
- Check out this list of must-read books by women, from classics to modern masterpieces.
The City of Frederick Employee Recognition: Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
History of Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month
In 1978, Joint Resolution 1007 was introduced, and it was proposed that the president should proclaim a week in which the first 10 days of May would be recognized as Asian/ Pacific Heritage week. This resolution was signed on October 5, 1978, by President Jimmy Carter and Presidents continued to pass annual proclamations until 1992 when congress passed public law 102-450. Public law 102-450 annually designated May as Asian / Pacific American Heritage Month. If you would like more information about Asian American/ Pacific Islander Heritage Month, check out the official Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month website.
Local Asian American/Pacific Islander Community in Frederick
- 4,840 community members identify as Asian American or Pacific Islander.
- The community includes youth, parents, families, LGBTQ+, people of faith, and more.
Frederick Celebrates Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Looking to shop or learn about Asian American and Pacific Islander culture and history in Frederick to celebrate? Check out these local opportunities!
- Head out to the "Celebrate Asian Heritage" event hosted annually by the Asian American Center of Frederick to enjoy a full day of culture and entertainment at the Carroll Creek Park.
- Dine or shop at one of Frederick’s many Asian American-owned businesses.
Recommended Resources
- Read about our notable AAPI residents, like Elizabeth Chung and Chen Chiang, on Heritage Frederick’s We the People website.
- Check out the website of the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) to find information about AAPI Month.
The City of Frederick is thrilled to celebrate Pride with the community this year, and every year. In anticipation of the Pride festivities this month, we encourage you to check out the videos and resources* below to learn more about Pride and the impact of the LGBTQ+ community on our society, and here in the City of Frederick!
Proclamation 2022: Video
Proclamation 2023: Video
The City of Frederick Employee Recognition 2022: Pride Month
The City of Frederick Community Celebration Video 2023: Pride Month
History of Pride Month
Pride Month is celebrated in the month of June each year to honor the Stonewall Riots that took place on June 28, 1969. Each day of the month is designated to a different sexuality and gender identity. Pride Month began as "Gay Pride Day" and was celebrated on the last Sunday in June. It soon grew into a month-long celebration and commemoration of the history and impacts of the LGBTQ+ community. You can find more information on the origins and traditions of Pride Month on the Library of Congress website.
The City of Frederick and the LGBTQ+ Community
Did you know that the City of Frederick earned a perfect score of 100 in the 2021 Municipal Equality Index and again in 2022 for its ongoing efforts to ensure equal treatment of members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community? The City earned points for the inclusion of the Contractor Non-Discrimination Ordinance in the City’s Purchasing Policies, the offering of transgender-inclusive healthcare benefits, and the City’s strong leadership around LGBTQ equality, including legislative and policy efforts.
Frederick Celebrates Pride Month
Looking for events to attend? Check out these local events!
- Attend Frederick Pride, one of the largest Pride celebrations in this region!
- Check out the Youth Pride Prom which welcomes the LGBTQ+ youth of Frederick County at the Delaplaine Arts Center.
Recommended Resources
- Check out the resources provided by the Frederick Center, which serves the LGBTQ+ community in and around Frederick.
- Find books relate to Pride in any of the Frederick County Public Libraries, or on their webpage that features books for kids, teens, and adults.
*Note: Many of the links included in the following content sections are to third party websites. The City of Frederick does not endorse any of the following products or services and the quality of each website will vary.
The City of Frederick is thrilled to celebrate Hispanic Heritage this month, and every year. We encourage you to check out the videos and resources* below to learn more about the Hispanic culture and influence here in Frederick and the positive impact the growing community has had on our society, and here in the City of Frederick! This Employee Recognition video features members of the City staff, and includes a special interview with Sara Brunal, Case Manager for The Department of Housing and Human Services. You can find more information on Hispanic Heritage month on the official Hispanic Heritage Month website.
The City of Frederick Employee Recognition: Video
History of Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month was enacted into law on August 17th, 1988 and celebrated from September 15th through October 15th because many Latin American Countries celebrate their independence day through the 30 day period. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua celebrate their independence on 09/15, Mexico Independence Day is 09/16 and Chile Independence Day is 09/18.
“El día de la Raza y de la Hispanidad,” also known as Day of the Races is celebrated on the third Monday of October, and this year, it falls on October 17. It commemorates the first contact between Europeans and Native Americans as the Italian navigator Christopher Columbus first set foot in the Americas. It’s a day to highlight the encounter of the two worlds as well as reflect on the richness and racial diversity this brought to the culture.
The Hispanic Community in the City of Frederick
The Hispanic community makes up 16.6% of The City of Frederick and continues to grow.
Learn about some of our well-known Hispanic residents on the Heritage Frederick website.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Looking to shop or learn about Hispanic heritage to celebrate? Check out these local opportunities!
• Eat and shop at local Hispanic Owned Businesses in downtown Frederick this month, like Sabor de Cuba or Cacique.
• Visit the National Park Service website to learn more about the more than 500 years of Hispanic and Latino history and heritage can be found in national parks or shared through National Park Service programs and partners in communities across the country.
*Note: Many of the links included in the following content sections are to third party websites. The City of Frederick does not endorse any of the following products or services and the quality of each website will vary.
In the month of May, we celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month. The City of Frederick joins with cities and towns across the country by recognizing the role of Jewish American residents, employees, and community leaders. We encourage you to check out the resources* below and our newest video for Jewish American Heritage Month in which we sat down with Jewish community leaders in Frederick to talk about the contributions that Jewish Americans have made to the fabric of our nation’s history and culture.
Jewish American Heritage Month : Video
Jewish American Heritage Month
Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) is a celebrated national effort that is recognized each May by Presidential proclamation, a tradition that began in May 2006. JAHM provides an antidote to antisemitism by helping the general public learn more about Jewish Americans. Celebrating JAHM helps to strengthen our communities and promote a sense of belonging, shared civic life, and deeper understanding of cultural heritage. Learn more at the official Jewish American Heritage Month website.
While the United States saw its first Jewish community form in New York in 1654, Frederick has had a Jewish presence dating back to the 1740s. The Frederick Hebrew Congregation was founded about 100 years later in 1840. Their first rabbi began leading the congregation in 1858, and in 1917, the then-unaffiliated congregation was renamed Beth Sholom Congregation. Their original synagogue, on West Second Street, housed the congregation from 1923 to the 1980s, and then moved to their current home on North Market Street in 1984. Today, Frederick is also home to two other congregations - Reform Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick and the Chabad Jewish Center. The Jewish community in Frederick started out relatively small, and has grown today to about 400 to 500 affiliated families.
Visit the Gordon Maryland Jewish Community Collection, donated by former Frederick Mayor Paul Gordon and wife Rita, at the Jewish Museum of Maryland to learn more about the Jewish experience in Frederick!