About
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.
Executive and Legislative Documents
The Law Library of Congress has compiled guides to commemorative observations, including a comprehensive inventory of the Public Laws, Presidential Proclamations and congressional resolutions related to Hispanic American Heritage Month.
National Hispanic Heritage Month
https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/about/
This Web portal is a collaborative project of the Library of Congress and the National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and, U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.
Other Dedicated Web Site
- National Archives and Records Administration
- National Endowment for the Humanities
- National Park Service
- Smithsonian Education – Hispanic Heritage Mont
Celebrating Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor
Justice Sotomayor is the first justice of the Supreme Court of Hispanic descent. Click the links below to learn more about Justice Sotomayor.
https://www.supremecourt.gov/about/biographies.aspx