National Hispanic Heritage Month honors the cultures, contributions, and history of Hispanic and Latino Americans, as well as serves as a time to celebrate the heritage rooted in Latin American countries.

In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week 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 (Sept. 15–Oct. 15). 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.

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

• The U.S. Census Bureau offers its own list of Hispanic Heritage Month Fun Facts and accompanying teaching guide as a great way to share interesting census bureau data relating to the nation’s Hispanic population.
• Visit hispanicheritagemonth.gov, where the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum have teamed up to pay tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society. Included are links to presentations, exhibits, events, and teacher-specific content.
• The U.S. Department of Education has compiled a list of resources located through various federal government agencies at sites.ed.gov/hispanic-initiative/national-hispanic-heritage-month.
• Want some fun facts about the nation’s Latino population to share with students? Check out this data from the Pew Research Center.
• 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.