Suggestions

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month

Learn about National Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrate Latin American culture in your classroom with these educator resources.
Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, is a time to celebrate the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.

In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week to be observed during the week that included Sept. 15 and Sept. 16. In 1989, this observation was expanded by President Ronald Reagan to a monthlong celebration. The start date is significant because it coincides with the anniversary of independence in five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.

In the classroom, Hispanic Heritage Month can serve as a powerful lens through which students can gain a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures. This monthlong celebration provides a special opportunity to explore the richness of Hispanic heritage and culture, as well as highlight the significant contributions of Hispanic figures throughout history.

Below are resources for your classroom to commemorate National Hispanic Heritage Month and Latin American culture every day of the year:

  • The Texas State Historical Association’s online handbook is a digital state encyclopedia of the entire history of Texas and includes a wealth of information for your classroom. During Hispanic Heritage Month, this resource is especially useful for gaining a deeper understanding of the contributions and historical impact of Hispanic and Latino individuals and communities in Texas.
  • The Texas Historical Commission Hispanic Heritage website provides resources and videos (available in Spanish) to discover how Hispanics, who were among the original Texans, shaped early Texas and how their heritage continues to reflect a blend of historical influences, societal changes, and adaptations to modern realities.
  • The Hispanic and Latino Heritage and History in the United States website, provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), provides a comprehensive guide for educators focusing on Hispanic and Latino Heritage and History. This guide is a valuable resource for teachers aiming to integrate Hispanic and Latino perspectives into their curricula and foster a deeper understanding of these rich cultural histories among students.

Hispanics were among the original Texans. As such, the Texas Historical Commission has compiled some travel resources and a list of historic sites, videos, and more for Texans to use to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of Hispanic and Latino culture.