Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Night of the Dead"

Bracero History Archive

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 13:22:11 GMT

This website provides online access to a collection of oral histories, photos, documents, and objects related to bracero history. Students can browse the archive, use social bookmarking tools to share resources, add their own notes and make a poster using items from the archive, and contribute to the archive by adding their own stories about the bracero program.

The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History is part of a consortium of museums, universities, and cultural institutions documenting and preserving the history of the bracero program, a little-known chapter of American history in which an estimated two million Mexican men came to the United States between 1942-1964 on short-term labor contracts. The Bracero History Project has recorded more than 600 oral histories and has collected many objects.

Bittersweet Harvest: The Bracero Program 1942-1964

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 17:50:03 GMT

This website will help students learn about the bracero program, in which an estimated two million Mexican men came to the United States on short-term labor contracts. The experiences of these men are brought to life through photographs and quotes from oral history interviews. In 1942, facing labor shortages caused by World War II, the United States initiated a series of agreements with Mexico to recruit Mexican men to work on U.S. farms and railroads. This online exhibition is presented in English and Spanish.

Day of the Dead Festival

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:06:02 GMT

Learn different aspects of Día de los Muertos and how it is celebrated and practiced. The Smithsonian Latino Center (SLC) presents a Dia de los Muertos 3D experience in the Smithsonian Latino Virtual Museum (LVM) illustrating customs and beliefs varying from ancient Mesoamerica to those currently practiced in today's Latino culture. Join the SLC in celebrating and exploring Latino cultural heritage through this holiday for honoring the dead and the cycle of life and death.

Day of the Dead

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:05:00 GMT

This online exhibition provides information that will help students learn the origins of the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), how it was been celebrated traditionally and how it is being celebrated now. The exhibition includes links to online resources as well as printable classroom-ready resources including: a fact sheet, lesson plans for grades K-2 and 6-8, and a user's guide that includes the text of the online exhibition, more lesson ideas and instructions for making decorations for the celebration. Also included is an online interactive in which students can decorate their own virtual altar.

Program in Latino History and Culture at the National Museum of American History

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 09:30:38 GMT

This website is the American History Museum’s official homepage for their program in Latino History and Culture. The National Museum of American History established the Program in Latino History and Culture (PLHC) to present public programs that reflect the rich and distinctive history of Latino communities and cultures in the United States. These programs include lectures, films, family and children's programs, concerts, and other activities. Helpful links and information are offered through this site.