The National Park Service has long celebrated the history, cultures and contributions of Americans whose ancestry is traced to Latin America or Spain. Originally starting in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, the event was expanded to a month-long observance by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. The celebration coincides with the anniversaries of the independence of several Central and South American nations, as well as Mexican Independence Day on Sept. 16.
According to 2020 census data, nearly one-in-four people in the United States identify as Hispanic or Latino. And yet, experts say, a variety of factors can impede the ability of this community to tell its own story.
One issue, as illustrated by recent debates over the wording of a decennial head count question, is the way race and ethnicity are measured in government surveys such as the census. A second challenge is that many people are unaware of the rich and diverse heritages shared by those who identify as Hispanic or Latino.
Regardless of the challenges, experts say Hispanic Heritage Month is an important time to recognize and honor the role this community plays in the country. A great way to celebrate is by visiting a historic site. The Department of the Interior’s National Register of Historic Places features many sites that showcase Hispanic and Latino history and culture. Among the highlights are Kane Hall, home of Mexican-American artist Pablo O’Higgins’ mural The Struggle Against Racial Discrimination, which he created over ten years for a Seattle maritime workers’ union as a symbol of cooperation between Mexico and the United States; and the Burke Museum’s contemporary culture and ethnology collections, including the Fred Hart pottery collection.
These and other historic sites, along with the stories of Hispanic and Latino people who have shaped this country, offer an opportunity to examine how different backgrounds can influence our national character. Using the National Register as a teaching tool, educators can help students understand how a variety of people and places shape our nation.
The National Endowment for the Humanities offers a range of resources to help teachers explore these themes in their classrooms, including lesson plans, activities and a teacher’s guide for the exhibit Bringing Hispanic History to Life at the National Register’s website. The Library of Congress offers a similar resource, Bringing Latino History to Life.
Ultimately, experts say, celebrating Hispanic heritage is about connecting with a community that is vibrant and dynamic. That means talking to a friend or neighbor who is Hispanic or Latino, Key said, as well as seeking out books, films and documentaries — recommendations from Cadava include the PBS collection of Hispanic Heritage Month-themed documentaries. And, she added, it’s a great idea to support local Latino-related organizations in your community.