The Springfield Museums, the Pioneer Valley History Network (PVHN) and partner organizations announce Herencia Latina 2015-16, a nine-month Pioneer-Valley-wide exploration of Latino history and culture in the Pioneer Valley and beyond, from September, 2015 to May, 2016. The series will be formally launched on Wednesday, September 16, 2015, 6 pm, at Forbes Library in Northampton.
The expansive project includes fourteen film-and-discussion events, four exhibits, and six cultural programs and festivals, as well as related events, in Springfield, Holyoke, Northampton, and Turners Falls. A full list of programs can be found on the website and includes multiple screenings of the six episodes of the PBS documentary series, “Latino Americans,” in libraries and museums in Holyoke, Northampton, Springfield, and Turners Falls, many followed by community discussion moderated by local scholars; art and culture exhibits at the Springfield Museums, Wistariahurst in Holyoke, and in Turners Falls; festivals and music at the Springfield Museums and in Turners Falls. The full schedule is available online at Herencia Latina 2015-16.
In conjunction with the series, the Springfield Museums will host an exhibit of evocative photographs by William Hughes titled “Faces of the North End” (Sept. 22, 2015 – March 20, 2016) and a display of beautifully crafted stringed instruments by luthier Will Cumpiano titled “A Commitment of a Lifetime” (Oct. 9 – Nov. 8, 2015). The Museums will also host a Family Fiesta Day on Saturday, Oct. 17, with performances of traditional music and folk tales from Puerto Rico.
The centerpiece of the project is the six-part, NEH-supported documentary film series The Latino Americans,” created for PBS in 2013 by the WETA public television station. The award-winning series chronicles the history of Latinos in the United States from the 16th century to present day. As part of Herencia Latina 2015-16, all six episodes will be screened with scholar-led discussions, each more than once, at different locations throughout the autumn and spring. At the October 17 Family Fiesta, the Museums will show Episode V: Prejudice and Pride, with a discussion afterward led by UMass Professor Luis Marentes. At the conclusion of the project, PVHN will donate DVDs of the documentary series to Holyoke Public Library and to Holyoke Community College.
“Latino Americans have been present in our Pioneer Valley communities for more than a century, yet many people are unaware of their rich and varied history and culture,” said Cliff McCarthy, president of the Pioneer Valley History Network. “I’m thrilled that PVHN has this opportunity to celebrate Latino culture and bring this history to our museums, libraries, and our communities.”
Herencia Latina is spearheaded and coordinated by the Pioneer Valley History Network and the Springfield Public Library, programming is presented by partners Casa Latina Northampton, Holyoke Community College, L.I.S.A. (Latino and International Students Association at H.C.C.), Holyoke Public Library, Springfield Museums, Springfield City Library, Turners Falls RiverCulture, and Wistariahurst Museum.
The project is funded by grants from the American Library Association, National Endowment for the Humanities, and Mass Humanities, and supported by El Sol Latino, Nuestras Raices, WGBY Public Television, and The Center for New Americans.