Hispanic Heritage Month began Saturday, September 15 and continues through October 15. Hispanics are an important part of High Plains culture. Here’s a snap shot across the states.
Kansas:
Two exhibits celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month are on display at the Kansas Museum of History in Topeka. This is the first time the historical society has observed the month. One exhibit features Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) objects made in Topeka and Mexico with the traditional Aztec symbols of skeletons and skulls. The other, “Continuing the Tradition: Mexican American Folk Arts,” highlights several forms of traditional Mexican folk art. More information about the display is available from the Wichita Eagle.
Colorado:
The Colorado Virtual Library is a project of the Colorado State Library. It contains biographies on famous Hispanic Coloradans including:
- Felipe Baca, rancher and town founder
- Casimiro Barela, state legislator
- Rudolfo “Corky” Gonzalez, activist
- Federico Peña, Mayor of Denver
- Teresita Sandoval, early settler
- Juana Suaso Simpson, early settler
The Colorado State University Pueblo has several events planned to celebrate the month. A complete schedule can be seen by visiting the Colorado Creates website.
Oklahoma:
The Hispanic population has almost doubled in Oklahoma over the past ten years. The Oklahoma City Hispanic Project talks about the influence the Hispanic population has had on the city.
