September 28, 2017 Library of Congress Expands Hispanic Celebration

The Library of Congress’ Hispanic Division and Hispanic Cultural Society will host a set of programs and displays to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, in conjunction with the Semi-annual Main Reading Room open house at the Library on Monday, October 9. From a Frida Kahlo-themed story time to the public premiere of the Discovery en Español’s docudrama “Benito Juárez, La Derrota de un Imperio,” these programs highlight iconic characters and history of Hispanic culture.

The diverse selection of programs aims to engage the local and national Hispanic and Latino community with the Library through activities that appeal to families, young professionals, academics and the public. One of several events featured in the celebration, the Benito Juárez film’s Emmy Award-winning executive producer, Michela Giorelli of Discovery Communications, will discuss the creation of the film, Juárez’s legacy and representations of Juárez in the Library’s collections.

Below are the listings for the Hispanic Heritage programs and displays being offered on October 9 sponsored by Discovery en Español and Verizon FiOS:

Collection Displays

Benito Juárez Treasures Display - 10 a.m.
Coolidge Auditorium Lobby, Ground Floor, Thomas Jefferson Building
In conjunction with the screening of “Benito Juárez, La Derrota de un Imperio,” treasures from the Library’s collections that depict Benito Juárez’s place in Mexican history as a political and military leader will be on display. Tickets are not required for this event, which is free and open to the public.

National Hispanic Heritage Month Display - 10 a.m.
Thomas Jefferson Building, Second Floor
The Library of Congress marks National Hispanic Heritage Month with a display of items representing the contributions Hispanic Americans have made to American society and culture. Included in the display are President Johnson’s designation of National Hispanic Heritage Week, a letter from Congressman José Serrano to the chief of the Library’s Hispanic Division, and items related to Sonia Sotomayor’s tenure as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Tickets are not required for this event, which is free and open to the public.

Story Time

Frida Kahlo Story Time & Children’s Activities - 10:30 a.m.
Whittall Pavilion, Ground Floor, Thomas Jefferson Building
The Young Readers Center and Hispanic Division host a Hispanic Heritage story time and children’s activities session. The event is intended for children ages 4 to 12. Tickets are available for this free event, but not required. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit this event ticketing site, FridaStoryTime.Eventbrite.com, for more information and to secure your ticket. Entry is not guaranteed.

Exhibit

Tour of “Exploring the Early Americas” - 11 a.m. & noon
Northwest Gallery, Second Floor, Thomas Jefferson Building
Docents lead a tour of the Library’s “Exploring the Early Americas” exhibit, which features selections from the more than 3,000 rare maps, documents, paintings, prints and artifacts that make up the Jay I. Kislak Collection at the Library of Congress. It provides insight into indigenous cultures, the drama of the encounters between Native Americans and European explorers and settlers, and the pivotal changes caused by the meeting of the American and European worlds. Tickets are not required for this event, which is free and open to the public.

Film Screening

Film: “Benito Juárez, La Derrota de un Imperio” & Post-Screening Interview - 1 p.m.
Coolidge Auditorium, Ground Floor, Thomas Jefferson Building
The Library of Congress and Discovery en Español present the public premiere of “Benito Juárez, La Derrota de un Imperio,” a new docudrama that portrays the four years and 45 days Benito Juárez itinerantly led Mexico from the road. Between 1863 and 1867, Benito Juárez was forced to act as Mexico’s itinerant President, carrying the National Archives and leading the country from a carriage while fleeing both the Mexican conservative army and the French troops. Tickets are available for this free event, but not required. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit this event ticketing site, , for more information and to secure your ticket. Entry is not guaranteed.

These programs expand the Library’s Hispanic Heritage Month events series, accessible at hispanicheritagemonth.gov.

Discovery en Español connects Spanish-speaking viewers in the United States to the world and all its wonder and possibilities. It provides quality programming focusing on bold storytelling across core genres including adventure, ingenuity, natural history, investigation and current affairs. Created by Discovery Communications, Discovery en Español is widely distributed on Hispanic tier packages throughout the country. For more information, go to Facebook at facebook.com/discoveryenespanol.

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