The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino opened in 2020, and its mission is “to tell the story of a nation in which the past and present inform one another.” But there are still many more stories to tell about how Hispanic Americans have shaped the United States. In the following articles, you’ll find educational resources about the cultures, experiences and narratives that comprise the diverse group of people referred to as Latino.
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated during the period between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15. It was established by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968 and expanded by Ronald Reagan to include 31 days in recognition of the Hispanic community’s contribution to American culture, history, art, science and politics. The Sept. 15 start date coincides with the national independence days of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua and also Mexico. It follows the same format as other government-sanctioned celebrations such as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, on the second Monday of October, and Labor Day, on Sept. 5.
One of the goals of Hispanic Heritage Month is to educate Americans about the many achievements and contributions made by Hispanic Americans in all facets of society. From the arts to science and medicine, food to pop culture, Hispanics have enriched our country through their tireless efforts.
Some of these contributions are easily visible, such as the presence of Mexican and other Latin American cuisine in American restaurants and grocery stores, or the music of artists like Ritchie Valenzuela, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente and Selena Quintanilla. Others are more invisible, such as the work of scientists like Dr. Alberto Medina and the countless students who have been inspired by the teachings of Spanish-speaking schoolteachers and administrators across the nation.
A number of factors can influence whether someone is considered Hispanic, including language, last name and parental background. The gender-neutral term Latinx grew in popularity over the past decade and was added to an English dictionary, while Hispanics and Latinas are also commonly used terms.
The debate around Hispanic heritage has recently intensified, as the results of the 2020 census raised questions about how the government defines racial identity and how it affects policymaking. And, as the complexities of Hispanic heritage have become increasingly clear, so too has the need to recognize and celebrate them.
To help in this effort, the Center has created a teacher’s guide for Hispanic Heritage Month that brings together resources developed during NEH-funded professional development programs and lesson plans for K-12 classrooms, along with think pieces about events and experiences that have made up Hispanic heritage and legacy. It can be accessed on our Hispanic Heritage Month page. The National Park Service has also compiled a collection of historic places that showcase the diverse cultural traditions and histories of Hispanic America. These sites can be viewed on the National Register of Historic Places’ Hispanic Heritage Month webpage. And the NEH’s Virtual Museum of the Americas offers an online exhibition and downloadable teaching guides for various Latino themes.