American Latino Heritage Fund
Background
The 2010 census counted 50.5 million Latinos in the US. Latinos comprise 16.3% of the U.S. population, an increase of 46.3% in ten years. Yet despite a 400-year history in North America Latino culture, heritage, visitation and stewardship are almost non-existent at national parks and historical sites. Only 3% of the 86,000 sites on the National Register of Historic Places explicitly recognize and celebrate our country’s ethnically diverse cultures.
Mission
The American Latino Heritage Fund of the National Park Foundation seeks to immediately and strategically integrate and celebrate the cultural, economic and civic contributions of Latino communities in our American story.
Goal
The Fund will raise $2.5 million in its initial three years to provide grant and program support to achieve this vision. The Fund will focus on securing funding from individuals, foundations and corporations, while leveraging critical investments of the NPS and the U.S. Department of Interior.
Envisioning a Future for ALHF
The Fund prioritizes three program goals and supports only those projects that demonstrate significant and measurable impact:
1. Preserve the full spectrum of American Latino history
We will identify, designate and celebrate new national parks and historic landmarks essential to understanding the impact of Latino heritage in the United States.
National Historic Landmark Nominations. Too few National Historical Landmarks recognize the over 400 years of contributions made by Latino Americans to our nation. The Foundation and the NPS is partnering with scholars to find special places deserving of our nation’s recognition and protection.
2. Guide our national parks toward a more complete telling of the American experience
We will invite Latino scholars and communities to help tell the complex and compelling history of American Latinos.
Sharing the Latino American Story Grants. The Foundation is creating a new grant program to help the NPS connect with scholars and Latino communities to uncover and then share the untold stories of America’s Hispanic heritage.
Teaching With Historic Places. The NPS and the Foundation are working with teachers to design new lesson plans that highlight American Latino history and culture and the places where it was lived. These lesson plans will be made available to teachers across the nation.
3. Create healthy, educational and stewardship pathways for Latino communities in our parks
We will build on the traditional use and value of outdoor space by Latino communities to make national parks accessible destinations for recreation and enjoyment.
Youth Engagement Grants. The Foundation wants to work with community organizations, schools and after-school programs to help young American Latinos to experience the wonders of our national parks.
Recreation Scholars Program. The Foundation is partnering with recreation experts and the NPS to identify innovative ways to design camping and recreation opportunities that support the cultures and lifestyles of today’s diverse American public.
Latino Heritage and the National Park Service
The National Park Service currently holds many rich contributions of Latino Americans to the fabric of United States history in trust for future generations. At least 17 national park units-as well as national trails, heritage areas and historic landmarks-are protected by the NPS. These special places include:
National Park Service units
Cabrillo National Monument, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Chamizal National Memorial, Coronado National Memorial, De Soto National Memorial, Dry Tortugas National Memorial, El Morro National Monument, Fort Matanzas National Monument, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park, Pecos National Historical Park, Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, San Juan National Historic Site, Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve, Tumacacori National Historical Park.
National Park Service affiliates and National Heritage Areas
El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail, El Camino Real De Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail, Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area, Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area, Santa Fe National Historical Trail, Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area.
National Historic Landmarks
Freedom Tower, Old Mission Dam, Presidio de Nuestra Senora del Pilar de los Adaes, The Forty Acres, Trevino-Uribe Rancho, Ybor City Historic District.
You can help. Join the American Latino Heritage Fund's in our mission to immediately and strategically integrate and celebrate the cultural, economic and civic contributions of Latino communities in our American story.
