Hispanic Heritage Month - Sept. 15, 2019 to Oct. 15, 2019
Here at the McCarthy Library at Napa Valley College we’ve taken this year’s national Hispanic Heritage theme of Hispanic Americans: A History of Serving Our Nation and developed our own special tribute for Hispanic Heritage Month:
Images of American Migration and Change: Positive and Profound Contributions of Hispanic Americans Throughout History
Staff have curated images from Arcadia Publishing “Images of America” series of books detailing the historic influence and contributions of Hispanic Americans in cities and counties throughout the United States and combined these images with the special symbol of the monarch butterfly. In fact, the centerpiece of the library exhibit is a beautiful butterfly mask.
The monarch butterfly holds significance in Hispanic/Latino culture from the time of the Aztecs and has come to be associated with the Day of the Dead, representing the souls of the dead who return to earth to visit the living, especially heroes and important people who have died. Each winter, the monarchs’ migration takes place from Canada through the United States to the warmer sanctuaries in Mexico and then back again in the spring.
This migration serves as a reminder that the North American continent is connected: its people, flora and fauna. Crossing borders is not a new phenomenon, and one need only look to U.S. history to see the many valuable contributions of different groups that have made America a diverse and culturally rich country. This month we honor and pay tribute to Hispanic/Latino Americans.
The library exhibit also features various masks that were used in ritual and ceremonies throughout Hispanic culture. In Mesoamerican cultures, the use of masks dates from 3000 years ago. Today these masks are used in theatre and collected as an art form by museums and individuals.
Many thanks to library staff for creating the beautiful display. We encourage you to bring your students to the library to view it in person.
Also, be sure to make note of the upcoming film: Harvest of Empire: the Untold Story of Latinos in America which will be shown free of charge in the Community Room (Rm 1731) on October 3rd from 6:30-8pm.
Full Display of Hispanic Heritage Exhibit
Close up of Tri-part Displays
Close up of butterfly mask
Books on Display