This photo is just one of the many media resources you’ll find by visiting this Smithsonian hub for National Hispanic Heritage Month. Click on this photo to visit that web hub co-sponsored by many agencies, including the Library of Congress and the National Park Service.

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SEPTEMBER 15-OCTOBER 15—More than half a century ago, Americans began celebrating our nation’s rich Hispanic heritage. President Johnson began with a week-long festival in 1968, which was extended to a whole month by President George H.W. Bush in 1989.

Why does this “month” start in the middle of a month? Because independence movements across Latin America began in mid-September 1810 with an event known as the Cry of Dolores. This touched off the Mexican War of Independence and, within a decade, the former colony of New Spain broke up into independent nations of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras and Nicaragua.

Care to learn more?

Our publishing house has a number of books that are helping readers to learn about our Hispanic and Latino heritage. First, here is a quick video overview:

Where can I find these Hispanic-themed books?

Our books are sold via Amazon, Barnes & Noble and through other online retailers including Walmart.

We recommend that you start with 100 Questions & Answers about Hispanics and Latinos, a terrific resource book produced by the Michigan State University School of Journalism along with a blue-ribbon panel of Hispanic leaders nationwide.

Two other books in this MSU “Bias Busters” series explore related subjects:

• 100 Questions and Answers about Immigrants to the U.S.
• And, True Border: 100 Questions and Answers about the U.S.-Mexico Frontera.

Care to see the entire list of 18 volumes in the MSU Bias Busters’ series? Here is the Bias Busters series page at Amazon.

Solutions for Success is a book about an innovative program in Detroit that teaches Hispanic-immigrant parents English while these parents also are ensuring their children’s success at school. From cleaning up schoolyards to hosting a neighborhood celebration of literacy, these newcomers are transforming their city.