Latino American heritage refers to the cultural contributions and influences of people of Latin American descent in the United States. National and state parks have a rich history of Latino American heritage, and the National Park Service (NPS) and state park agencies have a mission to preserve, protect, and interpret these cultural resources.
Many national and state parks have significant connections to Latino American heritage, including historical sites, cultural landscapes, and archeological sites. For example, many national parks in the American Southwest have connections to the indigenous cultures of the region, including the Puebloan, Hopi and Zuni peoples, who have a rich cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years.
Additionally, many national and state parks have connections to the Spanish Colonial period in the United States, including missions, forts, and presidios. These sites help to tell the story of the Spanish colonization of the Americas, and the interactions between European settlers and indigenous peoples.
The NPS and state park agencies have a responsibility to protect and preserve these cultural resources, and to provide opportunities for visitors to learn about and experience Latino American heritage. This can include ranger-led tours, educational programs, and interpretive exhibits.
Overall, Latino American heritage is an important part of the cultural fabric of the United States, and national and state parks play an important role in preserving, protecting, and interpreting these resources for future generations.