2008

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15 - October 15

In 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim a week in September as National Hispanic Heritage Week. The observance was expanded in 1988 to a month long celebration (Sept. 15-Oct. 15). During this month, America celebrates the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries — Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.

The National Register of Historic Places is pleased to help foster the general public's awareness, understanding, and appreciation for Hispanic culture during National Hispanic Heritage Month. As part of the celebration, you can visit www.cr.nps.gov/nr/feature/hispanic  for a listing of National Parks that deal directly with the ingenuity, creativity, cultural, and political experiences of Hispanic Americans. Join the National Park Service in recognizing and exploring the achievements of a people that have contributed so much to American culture.  WATCH FOR UPDATES……..

 

 

 

 

HISPANIC HERITAGE EVENTS AT THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

September 15-October 15

Smithsonian Institution, various museums

In honor of our nation's rich and diverse cultural heritage, the Smithsonian celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with performances, exhibitions, lectures, family programs and films. All programs are free, unless otherwise noted. Some may require reservations. For further information call 202-357-2700.

 

COLUMBUS DAY OBSERVANCE

11:00 a.m., Monday, October 13

Columbus Plaza, Union Station, Washington, DC

This year we celebrate the 96TH Anniversary of the dedication of the Columbus Memorial Statue. The monumental statue was dedicated June 8, 1912. The National Columbus Celebration Association and the National Park Service invite you to participate in the Columbus Day Ceremony. The official national ceremony celebrates the achievements of the great explorer. Columbus Day is always celebrated the 2nd Monday in October. For information call 202-619-7222.

 

 

Listed below are the monuments and memorials in our Nation's Capital under the preservation and protection of the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, National Capital Region which relate to Hispanic Heritage. During this month, we have the opportunity to honor and recognize the many contributions of Hispanics. Visit some of the monuments and memorials listed below:

 Aritagas, José, 18th and Constitution Ave., NW

"The father of Uruguayan Independence"

 Bolivar, Simon, 18th Street at C Street and Virginia NW

"Hero and liberator of South America"

 Farragut, Admiral David G., Farragut Square, 17th & K Sts. NW

First generation Hispanic American who was the first admiral in the U.S. Navy.

 Gálvez, Bernardo de, Virginia Ave. and C Streets. NW

Military Governor of Louisiana by royal decree on July 10, 1776.

 Juarez, Benito Pablo, Virginia Ave. and New Hampshire Ave., NW

"The Mexican George Washington"

 San Martin, General Jose de, Virginia Ave. and 20th Street, NW

Founder of Argentine independence

 United Spanish War Veterans Memorial, Memorial Avenue, west of Arlington Memorial Bridge.

"The Hiker" represents the Veterans of the Spanish-American War 1898-1902.

 

 

Hispanic related areas in the National Park Service

 Hispanics have played a vital role in the events that led to the designation of these national treasures as sites in the National Park System. For brochures or information on the Hispanic related areas listed below, please contact the National Park Service Office of Public Inquiries at 202-208-4747 or visit our web site at www.nps.gov click on Visit your Parks.

 

Armistad National Recreation Area- Del Rio, Texas

Biscayne National Park, Florida

Cabrillo National Monument- San Diego, California

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument- St. Augustine, Fl.

Chmizal National Monument- El Paso, Texas

Channel Islands National Park, California

Coronado National Memorial- Hereford, Arizona

De Soto National Memorial -Bradenton, Florida

El Malpais National Monument- Grants, New Mexico

El Morro National Monument- Ramah, New Mexico

Fort Frederica National Monument- St. Simons Island, Georgia

Fort Matanzas National Monument- St. Augustine, Florida

Fort Point National Historic Site, California

John Muir National Historic Site, California

Palto Alto Battlefield National Historic Site- Brownsville, Texas

Pecos National Historical Park- Pecos, New Mexico

Point Reyes National Seashore, California

Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument- Mountainair, New Mexico

San Antonio Missions National Historic Site- San Antonio, Texas

San Juan National Historic Site- Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Tumacacori National Historical Park- Tumacacori. Arizonia

Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

 

 Remember to visit our web site at www.cr.nps.gov/nr/feature/hispanic and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the National Register of Historic Places.

 

 Want to learn more about Hispanic heritage in our National Parks? Click on a National Park Units listed below.

·        Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

 

 

To assists visitors in experiencing the nation’s Hispanic heritage that is preserved and interpreted throughout the National Park Service, visitors can log onto www.nps.gov type in Hispanic Heritage Parks Home and  access a  special program, which is prepared in English and Spanish. The National Park Service is proud of the rich Hispanic heritage that exists in parks throughout our country.

 

 

 

 

 National Capital Region

Office of Communications

Calendar Editor-Toni Braxton

202-619-7222