Annapolis 250: Piscataway Nation Singers and Dancers 

Free on the Front Lawn!

On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary. Maryland Hall is proud to help kick off this historic milestone with a special event launching a wider celebration of programs and experiences honoring our nation’s diversity, strength, and the vital role Annapolis and Anne Arundel County played in America’s founding.

At the time of Columbus, as many as 10 million Native Americans lived in North America. A succession of Algonquian peoples ultimately coalesced into the Piscataway Nation of the Chesapeake & Tidewater regions of Maryland. The Piscataway were the first Native Americans to encounter Captain John Smith along the banks of the Potomac River in 1608. Today, Mark Tayac and the Piscataway Nation Singers & Dancers carry on the long standing traditions, culture and heritage of their indigenous ancestors. From Tayac Territory, (Port Tobacco, MD), Mark Tayac travels with the Piscataway Nation Singers & Dancers presenting a colorful, educational and entertaining pow wow-style campus event featuring American Indian Dance, Drum & Song. In addition to their many college campus appearances, the Piscataway Nation Singers & Dancers are frequent contributors to TV specials on the History Channel and Discovery Channel and appear regularly at the Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC, national pow-wows and major festivals. Mark Tayac and the Piscataway Nation Singers & Dancers welcome the opportunity to educate and entertain audiences who want to learn more about American Indian history, culture and traditions.