Hispanic Heritage Day at George Washington Carver National Monument

You are invited to a Hispanic Heritage Day celebration at George Washington Carver National Monument on Saturday, September 23. This free event takes place from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on the front lawn near the visitor center and music tent. Dance, crafts, and music are all part of the fun.

The talented Chinelos Morelenses Unidos en Arkansas (Springdale, Arkansas) are returning this year. They perform at 11:00 a.m. Learn how their beautiful costumes and interpretive dance share the history of the clash of cultures when Europeans arrived in Central and South America.

Mariachi Flor de Missouri, one of the most popular mariachi bands in the area, will perform at 12:00 p.m. Their music will unfold the beauty and power of Mexican traditions before you like a blossoming flower. Mariachi music is popular because it can make people dance with its infectious rhythms. It can even help people remember loved ones with touching songs commemorating their lives.

Grupo Latinamericano Dance Troupe will perform at 1:00 p.m. Grupo Latinamericano has been part of the Springfield, Missouri community since 1987, providing education, language, and employment assistance to newcomers within the community. Their performances will show off their efforts to preserve and honor Latin American heritage and culture.

Throughout the day there will be craft stations interpreting Latin American history. Everyone is invited to make worry dolls, paper marigolds, and sugar skulls while learning about the significance of each of these activities. This special day is part of the park’s on‐going commitment to embrace a wider audience and cultivate cultural awareness.

Did you know that numerous national parks share Latin American heritage and the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the culture of the United States? A few examples include Cesar Chavez National Monument, Chamizal National Memorial, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, and Cabrillo National Monument. Be sure to pickup a brochure from these and many other national parks. Hispanic Heritage Day is co‐sponsored by the Carver Birthplace Association with support from the Joplin Convention & Visitors Bureau. The National Park Service celebrates America’s rich Hispanic history and culture with #HispanicHeritageMonth from September 15 ‐ October 15. Learn more at www.nps.gov.

Administered by the National Park Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior, George Washington Carver National Monument preserves the birthplace and childhood home of George Washington Carver ‐ scientist, educator, and humanitarian. The park is located two miles west of Diamond, Missouri on Highway V, then ¼ mile south on Carver Road. For more information, please call the park at 417‐325‐4151 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., visit the park website at www.nps.gov/gwca, or visit the park Facebook page.