September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month
The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society.
Smithsonian Latino Center
The Smithsonian Latino Center unlocks dynamic U.S. Latino stories that shape our national experience and identity. It empowers a greater understanding and deeper appreciation for the enduring contributions of Latinos to our country. It preserves a growing collection of diverse stories and experiences that reflect Latino presence in our history and culture, and convenes conversations, inclusively, about the stories and connections that continue to inspire generations to come.
Visit the website »
Photo credit: Detail of Maíz Flor Serpiente/ Flower Maize Serpent commissioned digital art work by the Indigenous Design Collection, 2015.
La Biblioteca Podcast
An exploration of the Library of Congress collections that focus on the cultures of Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and the Hispanic community in the US.
To listen and subscribe to the podcast series, visit the Library of Congress podcast site or find it on iTunes
Telling All Americans' Stories: American Latino Heritage
The breadth of Latino/a experience is a vital aspect of America's rich and diverse past. The places explored here barely begin to hint at the varied ways their lives intersected with one another. Discover these remarkable stories preserved in our national parks and historic places
Read the stories »
Photo credit:Tumacácori and Visitors by Full Moon. ARC Photography, January 29, 2016. National Park Service.
The Archive of Hispanic Literature on Tape
Listen to audio recordings of prominent Hispanic writers including Nobel Laureates Gabriel García Márquez, Juan Ramón Jiménez, Gabriela Mistral, Pablo Neruda, and Octavio Paz, and renowned writers Jorge Amado, Jorge Luis Borges, and Julio Cortázar reading from their works at the Library of Congress.
Listen to the recordings »
Photo credit: [Chilean poet Pablo Neruda] Recording for Library of Congress in its recording studio. 1966. Library of Congress.
Hispanic American Veterans
Asked to serve their country in time of war, Hispanic Americans displayed courage and valor in the face of adversity. Familiar with discrimination back home, many saw their service as affirming the ideals of democracy. In this presentation, the Veterans History Project recounts their inspirational stories.
Read More about Hispanic American Veterans »
2018 Event Highlights
Kids & Families
September 22
Realm of the Jaguar
Enjoy a series of dance performances honoring the magnificent cat whose imagery is often found in Native artistic traditions from Mexico to the Amazon. Appreciate the jaguar dances of Bolivia, Mexico and Guatemala. You can also explore the mask making as well as traditional and contemporary ceramics.
Family Day at the National Zoo
September 23
ZooFiesta
This family day includes live music and educational activities with a focus on conservation in Central and South America. Animal keepers present talks, feedings, and demonstrations featuring Andean bears, sloths, golden lion tamarins, Panamanian golden frogs, and more.
Special Event
September 27
Conversation with Congressman Pete Aguilar
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Representative Pete Aguilar will discuss issues facing Latinos today and his experience as a Latino member of Congress. Rep. Aguilar represents the 31st Congressional District of California, and serves on the House Appropriations Committee
Free tickets available via Eventbrite.
Award Ceremony
September 28
2018 Americas Award Ceremony
Ibi Zoboi, author of American Street, and Duncan Tonatiuh, author and illustrator of Danza! Amalia Hernández and El Ballet Folklórico de México, will receive the 2018 Américas Award (given in recognition of U.S. works of fiction, poetry, folklore, or selected non-fiction that authentically portray Latin America, the Caribbean, or Latinos in the United States.
Free tickets available via Eventbrite. This program will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube (with captions).
Kids & Families Event
September 29
Nuestra Ciudad / Our City
Meet local artists, musicians and dancers, and join in the festivities as we celebrate Washington, DC’s Hispanic heritage. In partnership with Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School.
Brought to you by:
