As we prepare to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, it is a good time to reflect on the many ways that people from different cultures contribute to our country. From entertainers to scientists and astronauts, Hispanic Americans have a rich legacy of achievement. It is equally important to understand that no one descriptor can capture the diversity of the people who share the common experience of having ancestors from the 22 nations and territories that make up Latin America. Whether you identify as Hispanic, Latino, or the non-gendered terms, Latina and Latinx, you will find countless resources to help you explore the history and culture of your ancestors.
In the United States, Hispanics are our country’s fastest-growing racial or ethnic group. The Census Bureau defines Hispanics as individuals whose ancestry is from countries in Central and South America, the Caribbean, or Spain. More than 65 million people in the United States today identify as Hispanic.
While the Census data show that those of Mexican origin are the largest group, there is great diversity among Hispanics in the U.S. Most major metro areas have a large population of Hispanics from other countries.
The New York Public Library has a wide range of resources in Spanish and English to celebrate the diverse cultures of the Hispanic community. From Latin American incunabula to contemporary literature, comic books and zines to scholarly studies of the region, our collections contain thousands of items that showcase the richness of Hispanic America.
The NYPL also offers digital collections to celebrate the observance of Hispanic Heritage Month and to highlight Latino artists, authors, musicians and filmmakers. From a virtual museum to a bilingual teacher training toolkit, these resources offer engaging and effective ways to connect students with the history and cultural traditions of Hispanic America.
A key aspect of Hispanic culture is the cuisine. From the traditional to the innovative, these culinary traditions are a source of pride. The NYPL has an extensive collection of cookbooks and food-related literature and videos.
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) is an award-winning nonprofit that inspires, prepares and connects people in six areas of focus — education, workforce, social impact, justice, and culture – through leadership. The organization’s work has been recognized by the White House, Congress and Fortune 500 companies. The HHF’s programs reach millions of people in the U.S. and across the Americas. The HHF is led by an executive director who oversees the organization’s operations, partnerships and programs. The Foundation receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, private donors and federal grants. HHF is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Foundation is a member of the Council of American Research Libraries. For more information on the organization and its programs, visit the HHF website.