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Our Story

One of family, patriotism, hard work, ingenuity, and pride in the country we’ve all built together.

American Latinos are veterans, artists, athletes, business leaders–active participants in every walk of life. Latino communities have been an integral part of America since well before the founding of this great nation.

Our Stories
Can’t Stay Silent

Join us in calling for the building of a Smithsonian museum to house them.

Friends of the American Latino Museum (FRIENDS) is a non-profit, charitable organization, and is the only initiative dedicated to the creation of a National American Latino Museum.

The need for representation of American Latinos on the National Mall has been publicly acknowledged by the Smithsonian itself for more than 20 years.

“Latinos are woven into the fabric of America. All Americans benefit from a greater understanding of Latino contributions to this great country”

– Gina Rodriguez

What Would You Include?

Frida’s cast. Rudolfo Anaya’s manuscripts. Anthony Muñoz’s zapatos. The stethoscope of Helen Rodríguez Trías. Tell us the stories, people, events, or objects you believe should be featured in the American Latino Museum.

What I want to highlight for inclusion in the eventual Museum of the American Latino:

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Recent News

Congressional and Latino Leaders Honor Alejandro Fernández in the U.S. Capitol

WASHINGTON, D.C.  — Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino (FRIENDS), in partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HFF) and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), hosted a special reception in the U.S. Capitol in celebration of Alejandro “El Portillo” Fernández’s illustrious and award-winning career and lifetime of advocacy.   Ana Isabel Photography […]

FRIENDS Announces 2023 Design Contest Winner

FRIENDS Announces 2023 Design Contest Winner  The Flyer’s Dance by Diana Reyes Washington, D.C. — Today, Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino (FRIENDS) announced Diana Reyes as the winner of its 12th Annual Design Contest. Diana Reyes is an artist from Chicago and won for her submission titled The Flyer’s Dance, pictured […]

FRIENDS Calls on Congress to Take Action this Hispanic Heritage Month

FRIENDS Calls on Congress to Take Action this Hispanic Heritage Month to Authorize a Location on our National Mall for the National Museum of the American Latino WASHINGTON, D.C.  —  Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino (FRIENDS) released the following statement to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, calling on Congress to act and […]

FRIENDS Applauds Bipartisan Efforts to Allow Funding to Continue Museum

FRIENDS Applauds Bipartisan Efforts to Allow Funding to Continue for the National Museum of the American Latino WASHINGTON, D.C. — Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino (FRIENDS) released the following statement in response to the bipartisan and bicameral efforts to allow funding to go further for the National Museum of the American […]