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.
Children of the Plumed Serpent: the Legacy of Quetzalcoatl in Ancient Mexico
The culture-hero and deity, Quetzalcoatl was believed to be the human incarnation of the spiritual forces of wind and rain. Quetzalcoatl was typically portrayed in art as a plumed serpent. This exhibition was organized by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and made possible by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Department of the Interior's American Latino Heritage Initiative
Numerous projects are being undertaken to increase the opportunities for historic places associated with American Latino history to be documented, preserved, and interpreted and for the public to better understand and appreciate the role of American Latinos in the development of the United States.
U.S. National Archives on Flickr
Photos from the U.S. National Archives that relate to Hispanic Heritage on the photosharing site Flickr.
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.
Teaching Hispanic Heritage
Put the power of primary sources to work in the classroom. Browse lesson plans, student activities, collection guides and research aids from:
National Archives Experience -- DocsTeach --
National Archives -- Teacher's Resources
2012 Event Highlights
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September 15
Family Day: Central American Traditions
Music and dance performances by local Central American artists, hands-on arts-and-crafts activities, and video interviews by the Hirshhorn’s ArtLab+ teen videographer. (American History Museum, Smithsonian Institution) -
September 29
Family Day: Hispanics in Science and Aerospace
Hear about Latin Americans’ contributions to aviation and space exploration and take part in bilingual story times and hands-on activities. (Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center, Smithsonian Institution) -
October 5
Américas Award Ceremony for Children's and Young Adult Literature
Author Margarita Engle of "Hurricane Dancers: The First Caribbean Pirate Shipwreck" and author Monica Brown and illustrator Julie Paschkis of "Pablo Neruda: Poet of the People" receive the 2012 Américas Awards for Children's and Young Adult Literature. (Library of Congress) -
October 11
The Ancient Maya and the Year 2012
Professor Mark Van Stone of Southwestern College will discuss what the Ancient Maya actually said about 2012. The result is based entirely on science, archaeology, decipherment, and Precolumbian art. (Library of Congress) -
October 12
Aztecs and Allegory: the Baroque in Colonial Mexico
Professor Rolena Adorno of Yale University will discuss the enduring legacy of the literature and art of the Mexican Colonial Baroque.
(Library of Congress)