Higgins Announces Passage of Legislation Establishing National Museum of the American Latino in the Smithsonian

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced passage of H.R. 2420, the National Museum of the American Latino Act. The bipartisan bill, cosponsored by Higgins, establishes the National Museum of the American Latino in the Smithsonian Institution. Separate legislation approved last week honors Puerto Rican veterans who served in the 65th Infantry Regiment.

Higgins said, “For centuries American Latinos and Latinas have played a major role in U.S. history. Their contributions to art, the military, culture and entrepreneurship are woven into the fabric of America and must be told for current and future generations. These actions acknowledge and spotlight their stories.”

The museum will be established with the purposes of illuminating Latino and Latina contributions to America’s story; providing for the collection, study, research, publication, and establishment of exhibitions and programs related to life, art, history, and culture.  The legislation establishing the museum encourages collaboration with Smithsonian Institution museums, research centers, other museums, and educational institutions in the United States and abroad.

A Board of Trustees is established to advise and assist the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian on all matters related to the administration and preservation of programming and materials for the American Latino Museum.  The Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services will be tasked with establishing and carrying out related grant and scholarship programs.  The site of the museum will be designated by the Board of Regents who will be authorized to design and construct it.

Higgins also announced a Resolution he cosponsored, honoring the 65th Infantry Regiment of the United States known as the Borinqueneers, was recently included in the National Defense Authorization Act, and approved by the House on July 21.  The resolution establishes April 13 as National Borinqueneers Day, and recognizes the bravery, service, and sacrifice of these Puerto Rican soldiers.

Last year Higgins honored the legacy of Western New York Hispanic men and women in the military by remembering “The Borinqueneers”, including John Anthony Acevedo who grew up in Buffalo and served in the Borinqueneers unit in WWII and Korea. Previously he played an essential role in advocating for the passage of legislation awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the 65th Infantry Regiment.