Hispanic Heritage Month

Designed by the National Park Service

September 15 to October 15 is celebrated nationwide as National Hispanic Heritage Month. It traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans. More than 500 years of Hispanic and Latino history and heritage can be found in national parks or shared through National Park Service programs and partners in communities across the country.

Hispanic generally refers to a person who is from, or a descendant of someone who is from, a Spanish-speaking country.

Latino, Latina, Latine, or Latinx, generally refers to a person who is from, or a descendant of someone who is from, a country in Latin America. It is often a personal choice which term is used by an individual. There are a lot of connections between Latino and Hispanic American identity in the US, so National Hispanic American Heritage Month celebrations often include Latino Americans as well.

During this month and throughout the year, we, and our partners, share history, heritage, and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans of past and present. Join the conversation on social media by sharing your own inspiration and learning more about Hispanic and Latino heritage by using #HispanicHeritageMonth and #EncuentraTuParque.

Find History and Heritage All Year

My Park Story From national parks to historic landmarks to gathering spaces in your community, the National Park Service protects places that connect us to our past, to ourselves, and to one another. Whether you've been awestruck by the power of nature, shared meaningful moments with family, or come together with your community to preserve your favorite open space, your story matters. Share you story using #MyParkStory.

Mi Parque, Mi Historia Ya sea que se trate de un parque nacional, de un monumento histórico o de alguno de los lugares favoritos de reunión en tu comunidad, el Servicio de Parques Nacionales (NPS, por sus siglas en inglés) se ocupa de la protección de esos espacios que nos conectan con el pasado, con nosotros mismos y con los nuestros.Comparte tu historia utilizando el hashtag #MiParqueMiHistoria.

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  Latinos en Capas, "Latinos in Layers"

  Astrid and Franklin bridged poetry, art, science, and culture together in a poem inspired by Florrisant Fossil Beds National Monument.

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  Park Art Connections

  Latino Heritage Internship Program interns created artwork of park places, stories, and experiences that inspired them.

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  Creating Connections through Education

  Follow Ranger Yvette's journey from teacher to director of education at Everglades National Park, a place very special to her.

Featured Stories

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  "Rico"

  Hispanic and Latino National Park Service staff are "proud of our past, embracing our future".

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  "Oíste?"

  The Oíste? podcast series takes listeners on a rhythmic journey through the world of salsa.

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  "American History, Hispanic History"

  For Hispanic Heritage Month, Ranger Lili shares fascinating history from national parks.

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  We Are Chamizal!

  We are a diverse group of people. We share the beautifully complex history of a conflict and resolution between two countries.

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  Connecting Conservation Across Countries

  Three university students from Mexico traveled to Cape Cod National Seashore for an exchange of conservation ideas.

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  Latino LGBTQ Gathering Spaces

  Explore places LGBTQ Latinos came together, formed groups, and created a deeper sense of what it means to be both Latino and LGBTQ.

A Continuing Tradition of Service

Hispanic and Latino Americans have shaped the National Park Service since its beginning in 1916. The tradition continues today with Hispanic and Latino Americans working as employees, volunteers, interns, and partners in many career fields of the National Park Service, including natural and cultural resource management, law enforcement, interpretation, administration, and much more.

Left image
Credit: (Courtesy of Nicole Segnini)

Right image
Credit: (NPS Photo)

Inspired by her family's trips to national parks as a kid, Nicole always had a passion for the great outdoors. Now she is beginning her career journey in the National Park Service in communications through the Latino Heritage Internship Program encouraging others to come out to enjoy their public lands, be involved in stewardship, and also consider a career with us. Start your journey—work for us!

Park Websites en Español

Explore parks in Spanish! Several parks have created Spanish-language websites to help visitors plan their trips or learn about their park.

Kids Activities

Children of all ages are welcome to participate in these activities specifically designed for them! Learn about Latino and Hispanic history, such as early Spanish settlers, and how natural and man-made resources affected the culture of New Mexico, become a virtual ranger, and more!