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Place, Story & Culture

An Inclusive Approach to Protecting Latino Heritage Sties

The purpose of this report is to advocate for the preservation of historic sites that embody the architectural, cultural and deep historical roots of the Latino community within the shared national identity.

by Hispanic Access Foundation

Numerous sites dot our American landscapes and cities that tell a story about our diverse past - places that embody the architectural, cultural, and deep historical roots of the Latino community. However, sites that commemorate Latino heritage are disproportionately excluded when it comes to officially designated heritage and conservation sites. This report provides recommendations to address the lack of representation of Latino heritage sites among protected area designations, by proposing a more inclusive designation system as well as a list of Latino heritage sites that currently lack official recognition.

Recommendations for inclusively protecting Latino heritage sites: 

1. Update the Criteria for Evaluation into the National Register of Historic Places. 
2. Provide institutional support in the form of community liaisons at the state level to facilitate and sustain community relationships with minoritized communities through the nomination process.
3. Develop a permanent committee or advisory group that sustains efforts to integrate Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion frameworks into Historic Preservation nominations and designations. 
4. Provide solutions outside of the National Register process that promote and enable communities to protect places of significance, directly combating gentrification and other threats brought about by re-development. 
5. Develop a professional pipeline in Historic Preservation for individuals from minoritized communities to obtain career opportunities that lead to decision-making roles. 6. Develop a theme study that specifically focuses on the U.S. Northeast and the Latino diaspora’s histories in the region.

Attached document published June 2021