Hispanic culture has always played a vital role in forging the region's history and identity. From San Antonio's iconic mission architecture to the thriving, contemporary literary scene, the arts and humanities in Texas are shaped and influenced by Hispanic culture. From September 15 to October 15, American communities will celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. Humanities Texas is proud to sponsor several communities' celebrations of their Hispanic heritage. For our full Fall 2009 events calendar, click here.
The National Register of Historic Places features significant historic locations for Hispanic Heritage Month, including several in Texas. Highlighted properties include the Rio Grande City Downtown and the Briones House in Austin.
Texas has a rich Hispanic literary tradition. The following list of suggested reading, which focuses on the twentieth century, is by no means exhaustive:
Humanities Texas-sponsored events during Hispanic Heritage Month
"Mexico: Splendor of Thirty Centuries." This Humanities Texas exhibition educates viewers about 3,000 years of Mexican history. City of Balch Springs Library, 12450 Elam Rd.; Sept. 15-Oct.31, 2009.
“Texas Latino Voices.” During Hispanic Heritage Month, this statewide program sponsored by the Texas Center for the Book at the Dallas Public Library will present Irene Beltran Hernandez and Daniel Garcia Ordaz, authors of Across the Great River and You Know What I’m Sayin’?, respectively. Both authors will read from their works in both Spanish and English. Central Park Community Center, 2925 Fannin, 2:00 p.m.; October 10, 2009. Contact Gail Bialas: 214.670.7808.
“Ojos Para Volar/Eyes to Fly: Photographs by Graciela Itrubide and The Madonna as Muse: The Paintings of René Alvarado.” Exhibitions displaying the work of two Mexican American artists. Art Museum of Southeast Texas, 500 Main Street; October 10, 2009–January 3, 2010. Contact Sarah Hamilton: 409.832.3432.
"Vaquero: Genesis of the Texas Cowboy." Humanities Texas's newest exhibition features Bill Wittliff's photographs of vaqueros in northern Mexico as well as bilingual text. Sam Houston Memorial Museum, 1402 19th St.; Oct. 2–Nov. 6, 2009. For more information, call 936.294.1832.
“Texas Latino Voices.” During Hispanic Heritage Month, this statewide program sponsored by the Texas Center for the Book at the Dallas Public Library will present author Dr. René Saldaña Jr., who will read in both Spanish and English from his works The Jumping Tree, Finding Our Way: Stories, and The Whole Sky Full of Stars. Midland County Library, 301 West Missouri Avenue, 2:00 p.m.; September 26, 2009. Contact Gail Bialas: 214.670.7808.
"Voces Americanas: Latino Literature in the United States." A celebratory survey of works by Latinos in the past thirty years, this exhibition presents images of authors, books, movie stills, public presentations, and illustrations. Humanities Texas exhibition. Robert R. Muntz Library, The University of Texas at Tyler, September 21–October 17, 2009.
"Images of Valor: U.S. Latinos and Latinas of World War II." Humanities Texas exhibition. Museum of the Coastal Bend, The Victoria College, 2200 E. Red River; August 15–October 15, 2009. Contact Sue Prudhomme, 361.582.2436.
"Texas Latino Voices." During Hispanic Heritage Month, this statewide program sponsored by the Texas Center for the Book at the Dallas Public Library will present author Oscar Casares, who will read in both Spanish and English from his new book Amigoland. Weslaco Public Library's Braught Memorial Theater, 525 South Kansas, 2:00 p.m.; September 26, 2009. Contact Gail Bialas: 214.670.7808.