<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"> <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><em>Looking to discover Latino history during your museum visit this Hispanic Heritage Month? Christine Miranda, who interned with our Program in Latino History and Culture, has the inside scoop. </em></p><p>Our museum endeavors to "understand the past in order to make sense of the present and shape a more humane future," and diverse Latino stories are a critical part of that. Here's how to find them across three floors, plenty of exhibitions, and fascinating collections.</p><div class="photo-wrap photo-xid-6a00e553a80e10883401b7c6e5aeb5970b" id="photo-xid-6a00e553a80e10883401b7c6e5aeb5970b" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 460px;"><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://americanhistory.si.edu/food/resetting-table/tex-mex-invasion" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" target="_blank"><img alt="Mexican-style dress worn from around 1960. Bearing the colors and Aztec eagle design of the Mexican national flag, entertainers wore the dress during promotional events at El Chico restaurants. It is currently on display in our food history exhibition." class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e553a80e10883401b7c6e5aeb5970b img-responsive" rel="lightbox" rel="lightbox" src="/sites/default/files/blog_files/a/6a00e553a80e10883401b7c6e5aeb5970b-500wi.png" style="width: 460px;" title="Mexican-style dress worn from around 1960. Bearing the colors and Aztec eagle design of the Mexican national flag, entertainers wore the dress during promotional events at El Chico restaurants. It is currently on display in our food history exhibition."></a><div class="photo-caption caption-xid-6a00e553a80e10883401b7c6e5aeb5970b" id="caption-xid-6a00e553a80e10883401b7c6e5aeb5970b">Mexican-style dress worn from around 1960. Bearing the colors and Aztec eagle design of the Mexican national flag, entertainers wore the dress during promotional events at El Chico restaurants. It is currently on display in our food history <a href="http://americanhistory.si.edu/food/resetting-table/tex-mex-invasion" target="_blank">exhibition</a>.</div></div><p><strong>1. Start at the Welcome Center</strong></p><p>We have two entrances: one on Constitution Avenue that brings you to the first floor, and one from the National Mall that leads to the second floor. Immediately to your right after you pass through security at the Mall-side entrance is the Welcome Center. It's a good first stop if you have any questions or need help with <a href="http://americanhistory.si.edu/visit/disabilities">accessibility</a> in the museum.</p><p>In my recommendations below, I mention some specific exhibitions, but we all know that an exhibit can't last forever. The Welcome Center can connect you with a current list of things to see and do.</p><p>The Welcome Center also has Spanish-language resources and alternative format exhibition guides, including Spanish translations of several of our major exhibits. Of course, not all Latino museum-goers or visitors interested in Latino history speak or prefer Spanish, but the Smithsonian is working to make history accessible to as many people as possible.</p><p>Bonus tip: Spanish-language museum <a href="http://americanhistory.si.edu/visit/espanol">resources</a>, including translated <a href="https://americanhistory.si.edu/visit/espanol#translated">exhibitions</a>, are also available online for you to access while planning your trip.</p><p><strong>2. Visit the interactive immigration cart</strong></p><p>The Latino <a href="http://americanhistory.si.edu/about/departments/latino-history-and-culture/immigration-cart">immigration cart</a> is staffed by interns and volunteers eager to engage you in hands-on history. The cart displays a diversity of artifacts related to Latino culture and immigration, including Abuelita <a href="http://blog.americanhistory.si.edu/osaycanyousee/2013/08/sniffs-of-cinnamon-scented-hot-chocolate-draw-visitors-into-immigration-history-1.html">hot chocolate</a>, a tortilla press, huaraches, a short hoe, a <em>Quinceañera</em> pillow, and an apron. By seeing and touching these objects, and sharing your own thoughts and stories, you can explore the long and complex history of Latino people in the United States.</p><div class="photo-wrap photo-xid-6a00e553a80e10883401bb078ac534970d" id="photo-xid-6a00e553a80e10883401bb078ac534970d" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 460px;"><a class="asset-img-link" href="/sites/default/files/blog_files/a/6a00e553a80e10883401bb078ac534970d-800wi.png" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false"><img alt="Christine, left, and another former intern share the immigration cart with museum-goers. The cart is a great way to explore Latino heritage and history during your visit." class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e553a80e10883401bb078ac534970d img-responsive" rel="lightbox" rel="lightbox" src="/sites/default/files/blog_files/a/6a00e553a80e10883401bb078ac534970d-500wi.png" style="width: 460px;" title="Christine, left, and another former intern share the immigration cart with museum-goers. The cart is a great way to explore Latino heritage and history during your visit."></a><div class="photo-caption caption-xid-6a00e553a80e10883401bb078ac534970d" id="caption-xid-6a00e553a80e10883401bb078ac534970d">Christine, left, and another former intern share the immigration cart with museum-goers. The cart is a great way to explore Latino heritage and history during your visit.</div></div><p><strong>3. Stop by the <em>FOOD </em>exhibition</strong></p><p><em><a href="http://americanhistory.si.edu/food">FOOD: Transforming the American Table 1950–2000</a></em> is another hotspot of Latino history. The exhibition, which also notably includes Julia Child's actual kitchen, highlights the impact of Latino (primarily Mexican) labor and culture on America food in the 20th century.Explore the forgotten history of the bracero program, which brought Mexican guest workers to the United States from 1942 to 1964 as farm laborers. View bracero photographs and objects, including an example of the dreaded short-handled hoe that caused severe health problems for migrant workers.</p><p>In other sections of the exhibition, you can learn about a <a href="http://americanhistory.si.edu/food/wine-table/la-familia-robledo" target="_blank">Latino winemaking family</a> or the "<a href="http://americanhistory.si.edu/food/resetting-table/mexican-food-revolution" target="_blank">Mexican Food Revolution</a>" that made tacos and margaritas American classics.</p><p>Bonus tip: If the exhibition leaves your stomach growling, head downstairs to our Stars and Stripes cafe. Thanks to some wonderful <a href="http://blog.americanhistory.si.edu/osaycanyousee/2012/11/as-american-as-apple-pie.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+OSayCanYouSee+(O+Say+Can+You+See%3F-+National+Museum+of+American+History+Blog)">Latino chefs</a>, we occasionally have the chance to serve up <a href="http://blog.americanhistory.si.edu/osaycanyousee/2010/09/dont-say-yuk-to-yucca.html">Latin American cuisine</a>.</p><p><strong>4. See Celia Cruz's artifact wall</strong></p><p>In 2012, the museum held a contest to discover which iconic historical figure visitors wanted to see commemorated by a unique <a href="http://blog.americanhistory.si.edu/osaycanyousee/2012/10/celia-cruz-portrait-unveiled.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+OSayCanYouSee+(O+Say+Can+You+See%3F-+National+Museum+of+American+History+Blog)">Weingarten portrait</a>. The winner? Beloved "Queen of Salsa," Celia Cruz. The display is on the second floor and will probably only be on display through the end of 2014.</p><p><strong>5. Keep your eyes peeled in <em>American Stories</em></strong></p><p>The popular <em>American Stories</em> exhibition, home to Dorothy's ruby slippers and other favorite objects throughout American history. Artifacts in the large display cases are constantly rotating. In the past, a Quinceañera dress, an Escaramuza Charra riding outfit, and Brazilian superstar Pelé's soccer jersey have been on view.</p><div class="photo-wrap photo-xid-6a00e553a80e10883401bb078ac638970d" id="photo-xid-6a00e553a80e10883401bb078ac638970d" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 460px;"><a class="asset-img-link" href="/sites/default/files/blog_files/a/6a00e553a80e10883401bb078ac638970d-800wi.png" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false"><img alt="Roberto Clemente's baseball jersey and Natalie Flores's Quinceañera dress are two of the many great Latino objects that have been exhibited in "American Stories."" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e553a80e10883401bb078ac638970d img-responsive" rel="lightbox" rel="lightbox" src="/sites/default/files/blog_files/a/6a00e553a80e10883401bb078ac638970d-500wi.png" style="width: 460px;" title="Roberto Clemente's baseball jersey and Natalie Flores's Quinceañera dress are two of the many great Latino objects that have been exhibited in "American Stories.""></a><div class="photo-caption caption-xid-6a00e553a80e10883401bb078ac638970d" id="caption-xid-6a00e553a80e10883401bb078ac638970d">Roberto Clemente's baseball jersey and Natalie Flores's Quinceañera dress are two of the many great Latino objects that have been exhibited in "American Stories."</div></div><p><strong>6. Attend public programs</strong></p><p>The Program in Latino History and Culture organizes some truly special events, ranging from book readings, to food tastings, to cultural celebrations, to naturalization ceremonies. Subscribe to our <a href="https://americanhistory.si.edu/connect/email-newsletter">newsletter</a> to be the first to know about what the museum is planning.</p><p><strong>7. Visit other Smithsonian museums</strong></p><p>Don't miss the National Museum of the American Indian! The <a href="http://anacostia.si.edu/">Anacostia Community Museum</a> is located five miles away from the National Mall, but it is worth the trip for its devotion to local history, including DC's Latino population.</p><p><strong>8. Utilize online resources</strong></p><p>Supplement your visit with a plethora of cool online resources. Websites for the museum's <a href="http://americanhistory.si.edu/about/departments/latino-history-and-culture">Program in Latino History and Culture</a> and the separate <a href="http://latino.si.edu/">Smithsonian Latino Center</a> are great places to start. You can check out our <a href="https://americanhistory.si.edu/about/departments/latino-history-and-culture/past-public-programs">past Latino programs</a>, rediscover past exhibitions (like <a href="http://americanhistory.si.edu/documentsgallery/exhibitions/arias/">this bilingual one</a> about the Peruvian woman who translated the national anthem into Spanish), and browse diverse <a href="https://americanhistory.si.edu/about/departments/latino-history-and-culture/online-collections-and-exhibitions">collections</a>.</p><p>Some other digital highlights: this <a href="http://amhistory.si.edu/celiacruz/">multimedia exhibition</a> about Celia Cruz, the <a href="http://braceroarchive.org/">Bracero archive</a> about Mexican guest workers, our massive <a href="http://amhistory.si.edu/vidal/">Puerto Rico collection</a>, and a 2010 <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38sfeHNgxOw">video interview</a> with Dominican American author Junot Diaz.</p><div class="photo-wrap photo-xid-6a00e553a80e10883401b8d06fa46f970c" id="photo-xid-6a00e553a80e10883401b8d06fa46f970c" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 460px;"><a class="asset-img-link" href="/sites/default/files/blog_files/a/6a00e553a80e10883401b8d06fa46f970c-800wi.png" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false"><img alt="Some iconic Latino objects, like Selena's leather outfit and Crazy Leg's jean jacket, aren't on display right now. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy them online, though." class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e553a80e10883401b8d06fa46f970c img-responsive" rel="lightbox" rel="lightbox" src="/sites/default/files/blog_files/a/6a00e553a80e10883401b8d06fa46f970c-500wi.png" style="width: 460px;" title="Some iconic Latino objects, like Selena's leather outfit and Crazy Leg's jean jacket, aren't on display right now. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy them online, though."></a><div class="photo-caption caption-xid-6a00e553a80e10883401b8d06fa46f970c" id="caption-xid-6a00e553a80e10883401b8d06fa46f970c">Some iconic Latino objects, like <a href="http://blog.americanhistory.si.edu/osaycanyousee/2014/09/still-dreaming-of-you-selenas-outfit-at-the-smithsonian.html" target="_blank">Selena's leather outfit</a> and Crazy Leg's jean jacket, aren't on display right now. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy them online, though.</div></div><p><strong>Bonus tip: come back soon!</strong></p><p>Our museum is going through a lot of <a href="https://americanhistory.si.edu/about/renovation">change</a> at the moment, with the entire west wing of the building set to start reopening in 2015. Exhibitions on American enterprise, migration history, and culture will all highlight new Latino stories. Our artifact walls rotate frequently, and temporary exhibitions are always giving new objects a chance to shine.</p><p><em>Christine Miranda is an intern in the <a href="https://americanhistory.si.edu/about/departments/latino-history-and-culture/immigration-cart">Program in Latino History and Culture</a>. After completing her internship, she will be returning to Amherst College for her senior year.</em></p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-authors field-type-text field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Author(s): </div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Intern Christine Miranda<img rel="lightbox" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OSayCanYouSee/~4/cvy-hqLbJPQ" height="1" width="1"></div></div></div><p> </p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-authors field-type-text field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Author(s): </div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Intern Christine Miranda</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Categories: </h3><ul class="links"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0"><a href="/blog-tags/now-view" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Now on View</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1"><a href="/blog-tags/teaching-learning" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Teaching & Learning</a></li></ul></div><div id="disqus_thread"><noscript><p><a href="http://amhistorymuseum.disqus.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Famericanhistory.si.edu%2Fblog%2F2014%2F10%2F8-tips-for-experiencing-latino-history-at-the-museum.html">View the discussion thread.</a></p></noscript></div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/OSayCanYouSee?a=cvy-hqLbJPQ:QcrbrOpVS5I:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/OSayCanYouSee?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/OSayCanYouSee?a=cvy-hqLbJPQ:QcrbrOpVS5I:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/OSayCanYouSee?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/OSayCanYouSee?a=cvy-hqLbJPQ:QcrbrOpVS5I:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/OSayCanYouSee?i=cvy-hqLbJPQ:QcrbrOpVS5I:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/OSayCanYouSee?a=cvy-hqLbJPQ:QcrbrOpVS5I:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/OSayCanYouSee?i=cvy-hqLbJPQ:QcrbrOpVS5I:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/OSayCanYouSee?a=cvy-hqLbJPQ:QcrbrOpVS5I:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/OSayCanYouSee?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OSayCanYouSee/~4/cvy-hqLbJPQ" height="1" width="1"/>
