As Hispanic Heritage Month begins, the National Archives highlights stories of brave men and women who served their country and reaffirmed the ideals of democracy in times of conflict. Their inspiring tales of courage and valor are available for everyone to share and learn from.
The Archives also celebrates the rich diversity of Hispanic culture and history. On this page you’ll find a range of resources, including virtual exhibits, bilingual resources and a list of Hispanic heroes.
We often use the terms Hispanic and Latino interchangeably, but they mean different things. A Hispanic is a person who comes from, or is descended from, a country where the primary language is Spanish. A Latino is a person who identifies with, or is rooted in any of the 22 countries that make up Latin America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela.
In the United States, more than 65 million people identify as Hispanic. They are the nation’s fastest-growing racial or ethnic minority, according to the Census. Hispanics account for nearly half of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product and are represented by more than 100 congressional districts.
Hispanics have a long and rich history in this country, from the first wave of settlers to the current immigration boom. Their contributions have shaped the country in many ways, from food and music to architecture and politics. The Smithsonian Institution is honoring Hispanic heritage by highlighting their contributions to American life through this collection of resources, from virtual exhibits and bilingual resources to storytellers and scholars.
We also encourage you to learn more about the history of the term “Hispanic,” which has its roots in the Spanish colonization of the Americas. Using the word can erase centuries of history, culture and civilizations that existed before the European invasion, and alienate indigenous and Afro-Latino communities whose histories include deep resistance to Spain’s colonization. That’s why it’s important to consider the origins of any word you use in your work.
Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor the diverse histories and cultures of all Americans, but it’s also a time to take stock of the challenges facing our community. We must continue to fight for the rights of all families, especially the most vulnerable, and ensure that our government policies support all of us. Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts on social media using #HispanicHeritageMonth. And don’t forget to mark your calendars for this year’s celebration, which runs from September 15 through October 15. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!