“Herencia Latina Pioneer Valley” is a celebration of our region’s Latino American Heritage.

The Pioneer Valley History Network (PVHN) is working in collaboration with Latino organizations, local libraries, museums, and colleges to bring a schedule of programs, activities, and events to residents of western Massachusetts from Turners Falls to Springfield, beginning in September 2015 and running through June 2016.

The centerpiece of the project is the six-part, NEH-supported documentary film “Latino Americans,” created for PBS in 2013 by the WETA public television station. The award-winning series chronicles the history of Latinos in the United States from the 16th century to present day. (Learn more about the series at www.pbs.org/latino-americans/en/.)  As part of Herencia Latina, all six episodes will be screened with scholar-led discussions at different locations throughout the autumn and spring. At the conclusion of the project, PVHN will donate DVDs of the documentary series to Holyoke Public Library and to Holyoke Community College.

“Latino Americans have been present in our Pioneer Valley communities for more than a century, yet many people are unaware of their rich and varied history and culture,” said Cliff McCarthy, president of the Pioneer Valley History Network. “I’m thrilled that PVHN has this opportunity to celebrate Latino culture and bring this history to our museums, libraries, and our communities.”

The Pioneer Valley History Network is a non-profit consortium of  historical institutions throughout Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties of western Massachusetts. Members include museums, historical societies, libraries, and historic sites, as well as history-minded individuals. Membership is free for individuals and organizations.

The Pioneer Valley History Network (PVHN) has been selected to receive a competitive Latino Americans: 500 Years of History grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the American Library Association (ALA).