Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Johnson County

Hispanic Heritage Month

In Johnson County, we honor the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latin Americans during Hispanic Heritage Month. Also known as Latino Heritage Month, this month-long celebration runs Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 when President Johnson proclaimed the week including Sept. 15 and 16 as National Hispanic Heritage Week.

These dates were chosen because they coincide with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including:

  • Costa Rica
  • El Salvador
  • Guatemala
  • Honduras
  • Nicaragua
  • Mexico
  • Chile

In 1988, President Reagan expanded the celebration to a month-long observance.

Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize the impact of our Hispanic and Latino community. Learn more about how the county is recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month through events and activities by the Johnson County Museum, Johnson County Library and more.

Johnson County Museum spotlights Latin American history

Latino family of six poses for a family photo

TRAINS Exhibit explores “traqueros”

The Johnson County Museum’s current exhibit, TRAINS: Transportation and the Transformation of Johnson County, features information about “traqueros.” Traqueros were Mexican railroad workers instrumental in building railroads throughout our county.

The family of Eladio and Luz Valdez is on display in the exhibit. You can hear from their granddaughter, Ana, in last year’s JoCo on the Go podcast about Hispanic Heritage Month.

Latinos in the Heartland Virtual Exhibit

You can also explore Latino history in our county through the Johnson County Museum’s virtual Latinos in the Heartland exhibit.

The exhibit documents the Latino community, Johnson County’s fastest-growing population, and its deep roots in the Kansas City region.

Events to celebrate and learn about Hispanic heritage

Hispanic Heritage Month 2023

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

Interested in joining the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month? The Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center is hosting a Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on Wednesday, Oct. 4.

The event will run from 6-8 p.m. and feature musical performances, food samples, bike displays, a community art project and more. Admission is free and open to the public – no tickets required.

Past Is Prologue on Mexican Equality

Johnson County Library’s next Past Is Prologue program is all about Mexican American history. The Past Is Prologue: Mexican Struggles for Equality Before and After Brown v. Board of Education will take place virtually Thursday, Oct. 5 at 6:30 p.m. In this session, historian Valerie Mendoza will examine the Latino community’s fight for equality in Kansas.

Learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month

Covers of several books about Hispanic and Latino heritage

Johnson County Mental Health Center highlights Latino pioneers

In this issue of the Mental Health Moment e-newsletter, Johnson County Mental Health Center delves into Hispanic Heritage Month. The e-newsletter profiles five Latin American pioneers who have overcome barriers to make key contributions in the field of mental health.

Hispanic Heritage Month: Library Resources

Additional Hispanic Heritage Month resources are available through the Johnson County Library.

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