This is from the executive summary of the final report to Congress:

“Latinos are an integral part of the history and culture of the United States. The American Latino story has been evolving for more than 500 years. Nevertheless, some Americans, including American Latinos, know little of our country’s rich latino heritage. Written and oral narratives have not become part of the collective memory of our country. These stories have been untold, under told, or altogether forgotten.

All people of the United States contribute to the American identity. The telling of the latino story in America recognizes a culture that represents a vital national asset. It is also an opportunity for a more complete telling of the complex American story.

The Commission established to study the potential creation of an American Latino museum chose as a mission statement — To Illuminate the American Story for the Benefit of All. The statement acknowledges that an American Latino museum in our nation’s capital would serve not only the Latino public, but also the larger American public and international visitors, helping them to better understand and appreciate the compelling American narrative.

The American values of faith, family, hope, patriotism, persistence, resilience, community, civic participation, and work ethic strongly resonate within the American Latino story.”

The full report can be found at http://americanlatinomuseum.org/assets/nmal_final_report.pdf

It’s long, but it’s an inspiring and exciting read (at least to museum-geeks as myself :-) ).

Great blog, thanks for putting all the hispanic events together. If you can, stop by and say hello after my presentation.

Thanks,
Laura