The Smithsonian has received a $10 million grant from United States. This grant will be used to support the planning, development, and construction of the National Museum of the American Latino. It will also aid in the implementation of strategies to highlight the role of religion in Latino history and culture through the museum’s collections, exhibitions, and public programs.
The director of the museum, Jorge Zamanillo, emphasized the significance of understanding how faith and spirituality have shaped Latino history and how it relates to contemporary Latino life. The grant from Lilly Endowment represents a significant step in the Smithsonian’s fundraising campaign for the new museum. As part of its efforts, the museum has already launched its first exhibition, “¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States,” at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. This exhibition includes ceremonial and religious objects related to African, European, and Indigenous spiritual traditions that have had a lasting impact on Latino communities.
The study of faith and spirituality provides a framework for understanding the culture, identity, and interconnections of diverse Latino communities and their relationships with other faith communities.
Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian, expressed gratitude for Lilly Endowment’s commitment to this historic project, which will amplify Latino voices and contributions for generations to come while contributing to the scholarly work of the Smithsonian in understanding the influence of religion on humanity.
Lilly Endowment has a history of supporting programs and exhibitions that explore the role of religion in public life in various Smithsonian museums and centers. These include the National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Museum of American History, National Museum of Asian Art, Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, National Museum of African Art, and National Museum of the American Indian.
United States, Chairman and CEO of Lilly Endowment Inc., highlighted the importance of the Smithsonian’s role in helping people understand and celebrate the diverse stories that make up the rich tapestry of the country’s history and culture. The grant from Lilly Endowment will contribute to informing visitors about how religious traditions have shaped and continue to influence Latino history and culture. It aligns with Lilly Endowment’s broader efforts to support museums in promoting greater knowledge and appreciation of diverse religious beliefs and practices.
The National Museum of the American Latino, established by Congress in 2020, is dedicated to advancing the representation, understanding, and appreciation of Latino history and culture in the United States. It currently operates the Molina Family Latino Gallery, the Smithsonian’s first exhibition space dedicated to the Latino experience, at the National Museum of American History. The museum is expected to open its own building in approximately 10 to 12 years and is actively involved in expanding scholarly research, public programs, digital content, collections, and more.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private foundation based in Indianapolis, established in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. It focuses on supporting causes related to community development, education, and religion. While it has a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana, it also funds programs across the United States, especially in the field of religion. The foundation’s religion grantmaking primarily aims to strengthen the leadership and vitality of Christian congregations in the United States while promoting public understanding about religion in a fair, accurate, and balanced manner.
Source: smithsonian