Hispanic Heritage Month
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.
ARTstor on Latin Americans
Since ARTstor began its collaboration with the Colección Patricia Phelps de Cisneros (CPPC) in 2009, hundreds of images of Latin American art have been made available through the Digital Library, including most recently nearly 140 images of Spanish Colonial art and utilitarian objects. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15).
Find more information under the Images and Video tab.
Poetry & Writing
- Academy of American Poets - Hispanic HeritageA selection of poems, essays, and multimedia features, including videos of the first Latino poet laureate of the United States, Juan Felipe Herrera.
- Famous Spanish PoetsA list of the top 100 most popular and famous Spanish poets (with their best poetry).
- Poetry Foundation - U.S. Latinx Voices in PoetryExploring Latino/a American poetry and culture.
Subject Guide
Office email: Kathryn Silberger
Office phone 845-575-3419.