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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

FRIENDS Statement on Alejandro Fernández’s Donation to Organization

FRIENDS Statement on Alejandro Fernández’s Donation to Organization Photo credit: Billboard, Chino Lemus WASHINGTON, D.C.  —  Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino (FRIENDS) released the following statement following the news that Mexican music icon Alejandro Fernández will donate a portion of his upcoming AMOR y PATRIA 2023 US tour sales to FRIENDS:  […]

FRIENDS Statement on January 6th Anniversary and Commemoration

WASHINGTON, D.C.  —  Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino (FRIENDS) released the following statement marking the two year anniversary of the insurrection on January 6th:  “The violent events on January 6th, 2021 were a direct attack on our democracy. Today, on the 2nd anniversary, we take a moment to stand with the […]

Site Authorization Legislation Not Included in 2023 Funding Package

FRIENDS Statement on Site Authorization Legislation Not Being Included in the 2023 Funding Package WASHINGTON, D.C.  — Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino (FRIENDS) released the following statement reacting to the Site Authorization Legislation not being included in the 2023 federal government funding bill announced on December 20, 2022:  “We are disappointed […]

FRIENDS APPLAUDS SMITHSONIAN FOR IDENTIFYING OPTIMAL MUSUEM LOCATIONS

WASHINGTON—Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino (FRIENDS) applauds the Smithsonian Board of Regents for narrowing its focus to two locations on the National Mall for the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum: the South Monument site and the Tidal Basin site.  “This announcement is great [...]