History of National Hispanic Heritage Month   |  Chicano Resource Center Events   |  Additional Information

History of National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month is a national recognition of the culture, contributions and heritage of Hispanic Americans. This national observance was first established by Public Law 90-498, approved September 17, 1968 by the 90th Congress. Public Law 90-468 authorized the president to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week each year. On August 17, 1988, the 100th Congress enacted Public Law 100-402, which extended the observance from a week to a month. The annual observance is now a 31-day period beginning on September 15 and ending on October 15.

The months of September and October cover a wide range of independence days for Latin American countries. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua all celebrate their independence on September 15. Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16, Chile on September 18 and Belize on September 21st. El Día de la Raza (Columbus Day) is observed on October 12.

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Chicano Resource Center Events

The Chicano Resource Center at the East Los Angeles Library was established to serve the information needs of the Mexican-American (Chicano) community and to make information about the history and culture of this group available to the general public. Join us to celebrate HIspanic Heritage Month. Click on the links below for additional event information.

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Additional Information

Chicano Resource Center, County of Los Angeles Public Library

Located at the East Los Angeles Library, the Chicano Resource Center (CRC) was established in 1976 to serve the information needs of the Mexican-American (Chicano) community and to make information about the history and culture of this group available to the general public.There are links to general Chicano websites and topics.

U.S. Census - Facts and Figures, Hispanic Heritage Month 2011

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Hispanic Heritage Month Events