LATINOS IN HERITAGE CONSERVATION
Preservation 101
Latinos in Heritage Conservation (LHC) goal is to preserve places, stories, and traditions that are meaningful to our Latinx communities. We aim to protect the history, culture, and identity that shape the Latinidad experience, ensuring future generations can learn from and be inspired by what came before them.
Preservation cultivates a sense of place by honoring the story of places, helping to maintain connection and belonging.
Preserving the stories and places of the Latinx community is important because it honors our raíces and the sacrifices that have shaped who we are. So many of our histories have been overlooked or erased, and by preserving them, we ensure our culture and legacy live on for future generations. These stories connect us to our past and give us the strength to move forward, reminding us that we are more than just survivors—we are creators, dreamers, and changemakers. When we preserve our heritage, we reclaim our voice and make sure our contributions are never forgotten.
If we don’t preserve important pieces of our history, we risk losing the memories that shape who we are and what makes our Latinx community unique, our Latinidad. Without preservation, future generations may grow up disconnected from their legacy, unable to fully understand where they come from or draw strength from our ancestors. The contributions and struggles of those who came before us could be forgotten, leading to a sense of erasure that undermines the richness of our culture.
Losing parts of our Latinx heritage weakens our connection to our identity. It’s not just the loss of stories, but the erasure of the wisdom, lessons, and cultural traditions that have shaped our resilience and strength. Latinx heritage is American heritage, and without preservation, we lose crucial chapters of our nation’s history. The disappearance of our narratives deprives the world of the essential contributions that have shaped both our culture and the broader history of humanity.
What can be preserved?
Places, stories, people etc.?
Just about anything with cultural, historical, or social value can be preserved. This includes buildings, monuments, landscapes, objects, stories, traditions, or languages that are important to a community. People’s memories and family histories can also be preserved through photographs, documents, and oral histories.
What is preservation?
Preservation is the act of caring for and protecting places, materials, features, and stories of historical, social, or cultural value. The goal is to protect these places, so they continue to share their stories and meaning for future generations, while retaining their connection to the past.
