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Smithsonian Latino Museum

Smithsonian Staff

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino advances the representation, understanding and appreciation of Latino history and culture in the United States. The museum provides financial resources and collaborates with other museums to expand scholarly research, public programs, digital content, collections and more. The museum’s Molina Family Latino Gallery is the Smithsonian’s first gallery dedicated to the Latino experience. The legislation creating the National Museum of the American Latino at the Smithsonian passed Dec. 27, 2020. Connect with the museum at latino.si.edu, and follow @USLatinoMuseum on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Smithsonian Latino Museum's collections

 

SLC Day of the Dead Bilingual Curriculum-Based Resources

<p>The cultural online programs and resources developed by The Smithsonian Latino Center (SLC) featuring Dia de los Muertos represent groundbreaking efforts by the Smithsonian to promote a deeper appreciation for Latino heritage and our connections to the ancestral past. In addition to its online festival, complete with bilingual interactive online resources based on Smithsonian scholarly research, is a vehicle for the exploration of this traditional practice which has become a phenomenon of popular American culture today. The online programming is in part a collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU) and other key community partners across the country.<br /><br />Generous support for the Smithsonian Latino Center's bilingual digital educational resources provided by the following Education Sponsors: Target and The Walt Disney Company.</p>
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Descubra Meet the Science Expert

<p>This collection features bilingual Create-It! STEM activities from <em>¡Descubra!, </em>the Smithsonian Latino Center's national public education program for kids, teens, and families. These activities can be recreated with materials found at a local grocery or hardware store at home or in the classroom. These bilingual resources can serve teachers in grades 2-5, 6-8, and high school science. </p><p></p> <p>The activities help participants place themselves in the role of scientist as they work on a STEAM-H project. Through active learning and problem solving, students are fully engaged and better able to understand the concepts being presented. This collection also includes interviews with science experts as well as note cards featuring profiles of U.S. Latina/os that have made notable contributes to STEM fields.</p><p></p> <p><em>¡Descubra! </em>Meet the Science Expert promotes STEM education for youth, with a specific focus on Latino youth, by showcasing Latino role models in STEM fields and discussing career paths and different interests in these areas. </p> <p></p>
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Latino Patriots in American Military History | Patriotas Latinos en la Historia Militar Estadounidense

<p>This bilingual publication highlights ten Latino patriots and spans the American War of Independence to the Vietnam War. The heroes presented are merely a small group of the thousands of Latinos who have served in our armed forces with distinction. The publication is meant to enhance awareness among all Americans of the positive contributions that the Latino community has made and continues to make to U.S. society.</p> <p>Resources serve grades 7/8 and 9/10 social studies, U.S. History, AP Military History, Spanish Language courses and life-long learners. They include critical thinking, writing, language arts, visual arts, historical inquiry activities.  Each war era presents biographies and interesting facts on each of the patriots, a lesson plan for each era, two extension activities (one for 7/8th grade and one for 10/11th grade), and five handouts. Wars and topics covered include:</p> <ul><li>American War of Independence</li><li>Texas Revolution and the Mexican American War</li><li>Manifest Destiny</li><li>U.S. Expansionism</li><li>Civil War</li><li>World War I</li><li>World War II</li><li>Korean War</li><li>Vietnam War</li></ul> <p><br> Also included in the publication are teacher and student resources, as well as the listing of Latino Medal of Honor recipients. Please note that Captain Humbert “Rocky” Roque Versace, Jr. was erroneously omitted from this elite group of men at the time of printing (2008). Captain Versace was born on July 2, 1937. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy and began his tour in Vietnam in May of 1962. During a mission in October 1963, he was taken Prisoner of War by the Viet Cong forces and was listed as Missing in Action. His fluency in English, French, and Vietnamese aided him during his capture. After more than two years, he was executed by his captors. He was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously by President George W. Bush on July 8, 2002, making him the first Army POW to receive the Medal of Honor. <br></p> <p></p>
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Southern Identity: Contemporary Argentine Art

<p>These bilingual (English/Spanish) resources feature activities related to Argentine culture through the lens of contemporary art for families, middle school, and high school students. </p> <p>This digital collection is from an exhibition with the same name, organized by the Smithsonian Latino Center with Argentina’s Secretariat of Culture. <em>Southern Identity</em> presented an overview of the major movements and trends in Argentina’s national art scene since 1948 and is organized in four sections featuring political art, landscapes, national identities and abstraction. It was the largest survey of Argentine contemporary art ever organized in the United States and included paintings, drawings, sculptures, video art, photography and prints representing the work of artists working in Buenos Aires and throughout Argentina’s provinces. </p> <p><em>Southern Identity</em> was part of the public program and exhibition series<em> Argentina at the Smithsonian 2010 </em>that commemorated Argentina’s bicentennial.</p>
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Making History, Sharing Culture Featuring Disney-Pixar's Coco

<p>This collection can serve students grades 2-5 as well middle school and high school students interested in Latino culture or as part of a Spanish project exploring family traditions. Activities include family or classroom activity on collage making with family photos and writing your own museum object label. Videos include a special performance from Grupo Bella and interviews with artists, chefs, curators, and educators that formed part of the<em> Making History, Sharing Culture Featuring Disney-Pixar's "Coco" </em>Event. An on-stage conversation featuring Illustrator Ana Ramirez and Character Modeling Artist Alonso Martinez of Disney-Pixar's "Coco" is also featured.<br></p> <p><em><br></em></p><p><em>Making History, Sharing Culture featuring Disney-Pixar's "Coco</em><em>" </em>was presented as the Smithsonian's feature Hispanic Heritage event by the Smithsonian Latino Center and the National Museum of American History in October 2018. A portion of the travel of the Smithsonian Latino Center and this program was generously provided by Southwest Airlines. Additional support was provided by The Walt Disney Company.</p>
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Celebrating Central American Traditions | Celebrando tradiciones centroamericanas

<p>This bilingual collection of activities and videos can serve students grades K-5, music and world culture teachers, as well as middle and high school Spanish classes. Enjoy performances and interview with artists about Central American music traditions, including Salvadoran Chanchona music, Honduran Garifuna music, and Latin Punk Rock. Learn about the Sawdust Carpet traditions with artisans and about Central American Archeology with Dr. Alexander Benitez. See objects related to food, music, and celebrations from Latin America brought to the United States. Activities explore Central American geography, traditional Guatemalan Maya fashion, sawdust carpet traditions, and musical traditions. </p> <p><em>Celebrating Central American Traditions</em> was the Smithsonian Hispanic Heritage Feature Event on September 15, 2012. Participating Smithsonian units include: the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the National Museum of American History, the Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies, the Smithsonian Heritage Month Steering Committee, and the Smithsonian Latino Center.</p> <p>The Central American Traditions Family Day is made possible by Univision. Additional support is provided by Ford Motor Company Fund. The program also received federal support from the Latino Initiatives Pool, administered through the Smithsonian Latino Center.</p> <p><br /></p> <p>Esta colección bilingüe de actividades y videos le sirven a estudiantes en grados K-5 y maestros de música y cultura mundial. También les sirve a maestros de secundaria y preparatoria. Disfrute muestras e entrevistas con artistas sobre tradiciones musicales centroamericanas, incluyendo música chanchona salvadoreña, música garífuna hondureña, y punk rock latino. Aprenda sobre las alfombras de aserrín con artesanos y sobre arqueología centroamericana con el Dr. Alexander Benítez. Vea objetos relacionados a temas de comida, música y celebraciones traídos a los Estados Unidos por inmigrantes de Latino América. <br />Las actividades exploran la geografía de Centroamérica, tradiciones mayas de vestuario, tradiciones de alfombras de aserrín, y tradiciones musicales.  </p> <p>Este día de la familia de tradiciones centroamericanas fue el evento de herencia hispana del Smithsonian el 15 de septiembre 2012. El Museo Nacional de Historia Americana, el Museo Hirshhorn y el Jardín de Esculturas, el Centro Smithsonian de Educación y Estudios Museológicos, el Comité Smithsonian de Administración del Mes de la Herencia, y el Centro Latino del Smithsonian forman parte de este día de la familia.</p> <p>El día de la familia, Tradiciones de Centroamérica, es hecho posible por Univision. Apoyo adicional es proporcionado por Ford Motor Company Fund y también ha recibido apoyo federal del Latino Initiatives Pool, administrado por el Centro Latino Smithsonian.</p>
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Art for Social Change: Conversations on Protest and Police Brutality

<p>A protest is a way for people to share their beliefs about a person, place, thing, or idea. People can share those beliefs through a statement or action. Public marches and rallies are examples of protests. Writing letters, singing songs, not eating, or using violence are other types of protest. </p> <p></p> <p>The United States guarantees people the right to protest peacefully. It does so through the Constitution and the first amendment. Sometimes, stress between protesters and police can turn violent. There have been times when police have been violent toward communities of color. This form of abuse is known as police brutality. </p> <p>Together, we will look at points of collaboration and solidarity between African Americans and Latinos. We will examine tensions between these groups and how they came to work together. We will also look at the conflicts between them and the police. The events featured are:</p> <ol><li>The National Chicano Moratorium, 1970</li><li>Mt. Pleasant Riots of Washington, DC., 1991</li><li>#BlackLivesMatter, 2013 to today</li></ol> <p></p> <p>This Learning Lab features art, videos, photographs, and protest signs. It also has thinking routines from the Harvard Graduate School of Education's Project Zero. They will help create conversations around the pictures or protest banners found in this collection. Worksheets from the Smithsonian Latino Center's <em>Cultural Expressions: Art for Social Change</em> can be found at the end of this collection. They are available for elementary, middle school, and high school students. Caregivers or teachers can use the questions found within the activities to create responsive social change protest signs and art. </p> <p></p>
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Nuestra América: 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States

<p><em>Nuestra América</em> is a fully illustrated anthology from the Smithsonian Latino Center. It features the inspiring stories of thirty Latina/o/xs. It celebrates their contributions to the United States. Many are towards the nation’s cultural, social, and political character. </p> <p>Many of the stories in this book will be included in the Molina Family Latino Gallery. It is the first national gallery dedicated to Latina/o/xs at the Smithsonian. The Latino Center leads this gallery project. </p> <p>The stories in this Learning Lab are in the Smithsonian collections. They are grouped into themes for easier viewing. </p> <p>What is in a collection? It has objects that were used or worn by someone. Examples of objects include articles, photographs, artifacts, and videos. Objects can be anything from a baseball to a piece of clothing. It could even be a space shuttle! Objects help museums tell more complete stories. Museums also take care of objects. That way, future visitors can see them, too.</p> <p>Each theme includes thinking routines. They are from the Harvard Graduate School of Education's Project Zero. These questions can help create discussion around the stories and objects here. This Learning Lab can serve middle school and high school students. Especially if they are interested in Latino culture. It can help with a Spanish project exploring family traditions. </p> <p>For more information on the book, please visit:<a href="https://www.runningpress.com/titles/sabrina-vourvoulias/nuestra-am%c3%a9rica/9780762471751/"><br></a><a href="https://latino.si.edu/nuestra-america">https://latino.si.edu/nuestra-america</a><br></p> <p>An Spanish version of the book is also available. Please visit:<a href="https://www.runningpress.com/titles/sabrina-vourvoulias/nuestra-am%C2%BFrica/9780762497485/"><br></a><a href="https://latino.si.edu/es/nuestra-america">https://latino.si.edu/es/nuestra-america</a><u><br></u></p> <p><u>The themes and stories featured in this Learning Lab include:</u></p> <ul><li> Civil Rights and Activism <ul><li>César Chávez</li><li>Dolores Huerta</li><li>Sylvia Rivera</li></ul></li><li>Entrepreneurs<ul><li>C. David Molina</li><li>The Unanue Family and Goya Foods</li></ul></li><li>Fashion and Popular Culture<ul><li>Celia Cruz</li><li>Óscar de la Renta</li><li>Lin-Manuel Miranda</li><li>Rita Moreno</li></ul></li><li>Literacy and Literature<ul><li>Pura Belpré</li><li>Julia de Burgos</li><li>Sandra Cisneros</li><li>Juan Felipe Herrera</li></ul></li><li> Public Service<ul><li>Jaime Escalante</li><li>Sylvia Mendez</li><li>Ellen Ochoa</li><li>Sonia Sotomayor</li></ul></li><li>Sports<ul><li>Roberto Clemente</li><li>Dara Torres</li></ul></li></ul>
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Arte para el cambio social: Conversaciones sobre protestas y brutalidad policial

<p>Una protesta es una manera de que la gente exprese sus convicciones acerca de una persona, lugar, cosa o idea. Esas convicciones pueden manifestarse por medio de una declaración o una acción. Las marchas y mítines públicos son ejemplos de protestas. Escribir cartas, cantar canciones, dejar de comer, o usar la violencia son otros tipos de protestas. </p> <p>En los Estados Unidos la gente tiene derecho a protestar de manera pacífica. La Constitución y su primera enmienda garantizan este derecho. Sin embargo, en algunas ocasiones, la tensión entre los manifestantes y la policía puede llevar a la violencia. Ha habido épocas en que la policía ha tratado con violencia a las comunidades de color. Esta forma de abuso se conoce como brutalidad policial. </p> <p>Vamos a ver juntos algunos puntos de colaboración y de solidaridad entre los afroamericanos y los latinos. Analizaremos las tensiones entre estos dos grupos y cómo llegaron a colaborar. También veremos los conflictos entre ellos y la policía. Los eventos que mencionaremos son:</p> <ol><li>La Moratoria Nacional Chicana, 1970</li><li>Los disturbios en el barrio Mount Pleasant de Washington, D.C., 1991</li><li>#BlackLivesMatter (#LasVidasNegrasImportan), desde el 2013 hasta hoy</li></ol> <p>En este laboratorio de aprendizaje (Learning Lab) se presentan obras de arte, videos, fotografías y pancartas relacionados con las protestas. También incluye rutinas de exploración del Project Zero de la Harvard Graduate School of Education. Estas rutinas ayudan a iniciar conversaciones en torno a las imágenes o las pancartas de protesta que se encuentran en la colección. Al final de esta colección, encontrará hojas de trabajo del Centro Latino Smithsonian,<em> Expresiones culturales:</em> <em>Arte para el cambio social</em>. Están disponibles para estudiantes de educación primaria, intermedia y secundaria. Los cuidadores o maestros pueden usar las preguntas de las actividades para crear pancartas y arte de protesta relacionados con el cambio social.</p> <p> </p> <p></p>
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Jessica Govea, Latinas Talk Latinas

<p>This resource is designed to accompany the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History's and the Smithsonian's Latino Center's video <em>Latinas Talk Latinas, Jessica Govea: From Girlhood to Inspiring a Movement</em>. After watching the video, which is located in the second tile of this collection, please return to this page to learn more about the assets we have in our digital collection as well as additional resources that will help you further explore the topics and themes presented in the video.<em></em><br></p> <p>Jessica Govea was a labor leader and organizer who started at a very young age. She began working alongside César Chávez in the Community Service Organization and was later instrumental in the founding of the United Farm Workers union, extending her organizing power to Canada.</p>
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Pachucas, Latinas Talk Latinas

<p>This resource is designed to accompany the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History's and the Smithsonian's Latino Center's video <em>Latinas Talk Latinas, Pachucas: How Fashion Asserts Identity.</em> After watching the video, which is located in the second tile of this collection, please return to this page to learn more about the assets we have in our digital collection as well as additional resources that will help you further explore the topics and themes presented in the video.</p> <p>In this story of Pachucas we celebrate their role in the making of Pachuco culture and for the ways in which their fashion stood in defiance of Mexican gender norms, second-class citizenship, and white middle-class ideas of American womanhood.</p>
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Clotilde Arias, Latinas Talk Latinas

<p>This resource is designed to accompany the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History's and the Smithsonian's Latino Center's video <em>Latinas Talk Latinas, Clotilde Arias: The Impact of a Peruvian Immigrant.</em> After watching the video, which is located in the second tile of this collection, please return to this page to learn more about the assets we have in our digital collection as well as additional resources that will help you further explore the topics and themes presented in the video.</p> <p>Clotilde Arias's story reminds us of the resilience and creativity of many Latina immigrants. She succeeded in a male-dominated world in New York in the '40s and '50s. Her best-known act of patriotism was creating a singable Spanish-language version of the Star-Spangled Banner.</p>
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