National Hispanic American Heritage Month

September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic American 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.

Lowriding culture combines artistic expression, technological innovations and storytelling that reflects Mexican American and Chicano culture and identity. This vibrant, bilingual exhibition showcases this unique car-making tradition with photos, graphics and two classic cars.

Smithsonian

Image Credit: A lowrider image by photographer Gabriela Campos, featured in the exhibition.

The contributions and experiences of Latinos in the United States are an essential part of our nation’s history and culture. The National Museum of the American Latino will showcase the achievements and contributions of Latinos to American history.

Smithsonian | National Museum of the American Latino

Image credit: National Museum of the American Latino

When the Mendez family tried to enroll in the majority-white school near their home, they were instead sent to a segregated school for Hispanic students. The Mendez family filed a lawsuit, arguing that segregating children based on ethnicity was a violation of the 14th Amendment. Documents from their historic lawsuit will be on display at the National Archives Museum through October 15, 2024.

National Archives

Image credit: National Archives

National Hispanic Heritage Month traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries.

National Park Service

Image credit: National Park Service

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.

Library of Congress

Image credit: Jose Sol, USAAF, Library of Congress

On this webpage of resources curated by the National Museum of the American Latino, you’ll find a list of why and how we celebrate Latino communities and their contributions to American society, a list of virtual exhibits featuring Latino history, bilingual resources, stories of Latino achievements, and more.

Smithsonian

Image credit: Carmen Lomas Garza, Tamalada, 1990, color lithograph, 20 x 27 in. (50.8 x 68.6 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase made possible by John B. Turner, 1997.5, (c) 1990, Carmen Lomas Garza