Conference Background

Introduction

“The Interpretation and Representation of Latino Cultures: Research and Museums” National Conference at the Smithsonian Institution took place during November 20 to 23, 2002 in Washington, D.C. It convened scholars in Latino studies, archivists, and museum professionals. The purpose was to examine the current status of research and educational literature on the interpretation, representation, and documentation of Latino cultures in museums and academic programs within the United States and Puerto Rico.

The conference was based on the annual Latino Graduate Training Seminar “Interpreting Latino Cultures: Research and Museums,” which was first offered in 1994. Organized by the Smithsonian Center for Latino Initiatives and the Inter-University Program for Latino Research, the seminar boasts 118 alumni. The conference provided an opportunity for former participants in the seminar and fellows of the Rockefeller Foundation’s Humanities Fellowship in Latino Cultural Research in a National Museum Context (1998-2001) to gather for the first time in a larger forum.
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