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National Hispanic Heritage Month - This year's theme recognizes the commitment to family values and civic involvement of Hispanic Americans and how their patriotism has helped strengthen our country. (This header graphic contains an image of 'LARGE JADE PLAQUE: FAT LORD AND FROG')
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Brought to you by...

  • The Library of Congress
  • National Endowment for the Humanities
  • National Gallery of Art
  • National Park Service
  • Smithsonian Institution
  • United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
  • U.S. National Archives and Records Administration

[- Sept. 15 to Oct. 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.

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[- Exploring the Early Americas -]

jaguar sculpture

Exploring the Early Americas features selections from the more than 3,000 rare maps, documents, paintings, prints, and artifacts that make up the Jay I. Kislak Collection at the Library of Congress. It provides insight into indigenous cultures, the drama of the encounters between Native Americans and European explorers and settlers, and the pivotal changes caused by the meeting of the American and European worlds.

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[- Hispanic American Veterans -]

Charles Rodriguez in uniform

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.

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[- Mesilla, New Mexico: History and Architecture of a Border Town -]

church steeple

Though small in size, the town of Mesilla is rich with history spanning American Indian settlement, early trade routes, wars, and the establishment of the United States and Mexico border. The history of Mesilla lives not only through memory but through its physical presence, which preserves many of its traditional adobe structures and architectural features as well as its unique, multi-cultural, social character.

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[- David Alfaro Siqueiros: Self-Portraits in Art and Writing -]

David Alfaro Siqueiros

David Alfaro Siqueiros was an outspoken artist and agitator for social and political change in twentieth-century Mexico. He believed that true art must be a public statement, especially in the form of the murals that represented the indigenous people of his country and their struggle for justice.

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[- Teaching Hispanic Heritage -]

painting

Put the power of primary sources to work in the classroom. Browse lesson plans, student activities, collection guides and research aids from:

The Library of Congress

National Endowment for the Humanities

Smithsonian Institution

[- 2008 Theme -]

Getting Involved: Our Families, Our Community, Our Nation

[- Events -]

  • Sept 13, 2008

    Film: The Last Conquistador

    3 p.m., East Building Auditorium, National Gallery of Art

    Living in Many Worlds: Hispanic Heritage Month Family Day Celebration

    Smithsonian Institution / Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture

    1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Free Admission

  • Sept 18, 2008

    Keynote Speaker: Marie Arana

    Washington Post "Book World" editor Marie Arana will deliver the keynote address for the Library's celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month in a program sponsored by the Library's Office of Workforce Diversity.

    1:30 p.m. – 2 p.m., Mumford Room, Library of Congress

    The Smithsonian Latino Center's Annual ¡Smithsonian Con Sabor! Gala and Legacy Awards

    Smithsonian Institution / Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture

  • Sept. 26, 2008

    Film: In the Time of the Butterflies

    11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Pickford Theater, National Book Festival

    The New Prado Extension: A Conversation with Rafael Moneo and Miguel Zugaza, Moderated by Selma Holo

    3 p.m., East Building Auditorium, National Gallery of Art

  • Sept. 27, 2008

    Author and Poet Marisa de los Santos: Book Signing

    1 p.m. – 2 p.m., National Mall, National Book Festival

  • Oct. 1, 2008

    Cultural Event: BeatHeadz: The Latin American Youth Center Afro-Latin Percussion Ensemble (and Poetry Program)

    1 p.m. – 3 p.m., Mumford Room, Library of Congress

  • Oct. 5, 2008

    Concert: Musica Aperta and National Gallery Vocal Arts Ensemble

    6:30 p.m., West Garden Court, West Building, National Gallery of Art

  • Oct. 10, 2008

    Film: In the Time of Butterflies

    11 a.m., LM-Dining Room A, Library of Congress

  • Oct 22, 2008

    Concert: Brazilian Guitar Quartet

    12:10 p.m., East Building Auditorium, National Gallery of Art

  • View More Events at the Library of Congress

  • View More Events at the National Gallery of Art

  • View More Events at the Smithsonian

The Library of Congress | National Endowment for the Humanities | National Gallery of Art | National Park Service | Smithsonian Institution | United States Holocaust Memorial Museum | U.S. National Archives and Records Administration