Hispanic Heritage Month

Stings of papel picado depicting parks and text "September 15-October 15 Hispanic Heritage Month Telling All Americans' Stories National Park Service"

Designed by the National Park Service

September 15 to October 15 is celebrated nationwide as National Hispanic Heritage Month. It traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans. More than 500 years of Hispanic and Latino history and heritage can be found in national parks or shared through National Park Service programs and partners in communities across the country.

Hispanic generally refers to a person who is from, or a descendant of someone who is from, a Spanish-speaking country.

Latino, Latina, Latine, or Latinx, generally refers to a person who is from, or a descendant of someone who is from, a country in Latin America. It is often a personal choice which term is used by an individual. There are a lot of connections between Latino and Hispanic American identity in the US, so National Hispanic American Heritage Month celebrations often include Latino Americans as well.

During this month and throughout the year, we, and our partners, share history, heritage, and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans of past and present. Join the conversation on social media by sharing your own inspiration and learning more about Hispanic and Latino heritage by using #HispanicHeritageMonth and #EncuentraTuParque.

Find History and Heritage All Year

Ranger dressed in a traditional Latina outfit demonstrating making tortillas to visitors
American Latino Heritage

Discover stories and cultural heritage shared in national parks and communities across the country.

Outside wall decorated by a mural depicting various scenes of Hispanic heritage
American Latino Theme Study

This theme study for students, teachers, and historic preservation professionals discusses various topics of Latino culture.

Boy Scouts looking towards Anza Expedition reeanctors on horseback
Educators Portal

Find distance learning opportunities, lesson plans, and other educational material about history and heritage for all age groups.

My Park Story

From national parks to historic landmarks to gathering spaces in your community, the National Park Service protects places that connect us to our past, to ourselves, and to one another. Whether you've been awestruck by the power of nature, shared meaningful moments with family, or come together with your community to preserve your favorite open space, your story matters. Share you story using #MyParkStory.

Mi Parque, Mi Historia

Ya sea que se trate de un parque nacional, de un monumento histórico o de alguno de los lugares favoritos de reunión en tu comunidad, el Servicio de Parques Nacionales (NPS, por sus siglas en inglés) se ocupa de la protección de esos espacios que nos conectan con el pasado, con nosotros mismos y con los nuestros.Comparte tu historia utilizando el hashtag #MiParqueMiHistoria.


Postcard reading "Your Park Story" with park images inside the letters
My Park Story

Share your favorite memories and experiences from your visits to parks.

Postcard reading "Mi Parque, Mi Historia" with park images inside the letters
Mi Parque, Mi Historia

Comparte tus mejores recuerdos y experiencas en tu visita a tu parque.

Illustrated poster of a tree decorated with flags of many Latin American countries on top of a hill. Text reads "Todos Somos, Somos Uno: We Are All, We Are One"

Image by Mr. Boris A. Jiron

Todos Somos, Somos Uno: We Are All, We Are One

Hispanic and Latino American communities are extremely rich with diversity while also sharing common threads that bind us all together. This year's National Hispanic Heritage Month theme "Todos Somos, Somos Uno: We Are All, We Are One," celebrates the many unique roots of our individual identities as well as our unity and shared identity.

Visit national parks or places in your community to explore Hispanic and Latino American identities and connections..Find some stories below from national parks or our programs that go beyond our park boundaries.

  • Video screenshot of the word
    "Rico"

    Hispanic and Latino National Park Service staff are "proud of our past, embracing our future".

  • Graphic for a podcast series with an image of a cassette tape. Text includes
    "Oíste?"

    The Oíste? podcast series takes listeners on a rhythmic journey through the world of salsa.

  • Video screenshot that includes an illustration of papel picado of national parks
    "American History, Hispanic History"

    For Hispanic Heritage Month, Ranger Lili shares fascinating history from national parks.

  • Video screenshot of a kid touching a sign for Chamizal National Memorial
    We Are Chamizal!

    We are a diverse group of people. We share the beautifully complex history of a conflict and resolution between two countries.

  • Three university students on a beach area looking at something in someone's hand
    Connecting Conservation Across Countries

    Three university students from Mexico traveled to Cape Cod National Seashore for an exchange of conservation ideas.

  • Long city park wall with a detailed mural
    Latino LGBTQ Gathering Spaces

    Explore places LGBTQ Latinos came together, formed groups, and created a deeper sense of what it means to be both Latino and LGBTQ.

A Continuing Tradition of Service

Hispanic and Latino Americans have shaped the National Park Service since its beginning in 1916. The tradition continues today with Hispanic and Latino Americans working as employees, volunteers, interns, and partners in many career fields of the National Park Service, including natural and cultural resource management, law enforcement, interpretation, administration, and much more.

A young Nicole standing at an overlook of a very big canyon A young Nicole standing at an overlook of a very big canyon

Left image
Credit: (Courtesy of Nicole Segnini)

Right image
Credit: (NPS Photo)

Inspired by her family's trips to national parks as a kid, Nicole always had a passion for the great outdoors. Now she is beginning her career journey in the National Park Service in communications through the Latino Heritage Internship Program encouraging others to come out to enjoy their public lands, be involved in stewardship, and also consider a career with us. Start your journey—work for us!

Black and white historic photo of George Wright holding a camera in the woods
A Look Back

Learn about George Melendez Wright's lasting legacy of natural resource management in national parks.

Jhulian Guitierrez wearing an LHIP program shirt
A Look Ahead

Join Jhulian Gutierrez for a conversation with Latino leaders in the National Park Service as he begins his career.

Intern wearing a backpack outside
Spotlight on LHIP

The Latino Heritage Internship Program provides internship opportunities for young adults in a variety of career fields.

Intern holding a tortoise
Spotlight on MIS

The Mosaics in Science Internship Program provides hands-on experience in natural resource management and research.

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    Park Websites en Español

    Explore parks in Spanish! Several parks have created Spanish-language websites to help visitors plan their trips or learn about their park.

    Mexican dancers on a stage
    Chamizal National Memorial

    Once the site of an international border dispute, this park in Texas celebrates the cultures and relationship of Mexico and United States.

    Desert valley with Joshua trees at sunset
    Joshua Tree National Park

    The distinct desert ecosystems of the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet in this park in southern California.

    Intern standing inside an old wooden fort
    Lewis and Clark NHP

    Cultures converged at sites on the Oregon and Washington border where explorers found their way to the Pacific Coast.

    Snow-covered mountain and its reflection in a lake
    Mount Rainier National Park

    Mount Rainier, an active volcano in Washington, is surrounded by ancient forests, subalpine meadows, and river and lakes.

    Kids Activities

    Children of all ages are welcome to participate in these activities specifically designed for them! Learn about Latino and Hispanic history, such as early Spanish settlers, and how natural and man-made resources affected the culture of New Mexico, become a virtual ranger, and more!

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      Last updated: September 15, 2023