Every year from September 15 through October 15, we celebrate Latinx Heritage Month at the Field. Hear from Latinx staff members and learn about the Field’s work, from Chicago to the Amazon rainforest. Explore events, exhibitions, and stories throughout the month.
Join us for special events featuring bilingual conversation and science presented by Latinx staff and scientists.
Featured Events
Guelaguetza Oaxaqueña en Chicago
On September 13, the National Museum of Mexican Art and the Field Museum present Guelaguetza Oaxaqueña en Chicago performed by the Ballet Folklórico de Austin.
Necalli Cultural Movement Performance
Join us on September 28 for an exciting live performance celebrating Mexican culture, traditions, and dance by Necalli Cultural Movement.
Bilingual Career Panel
On September 24, we're featuring a bilingual (Spanish/English) career panel highlighting the professions and experiences of four Latinx-identifying Field Museum staff members from various fields of work.
Chicago Public Library Bilingual Storytime
On September 18, families with 2-6 yr olds can drop into the Crown Family PlayLab for a special bilingual storytime!
Bilingual Storytime
On September 25, join Laura Rodriguez-Romaní, founder of Los Amigos Books, for a fun-filled bilingual story time with your child. Afterward, both you and your child can participate in a short activity led by Field Museum staff.
Armour Seminar
On October 9, the A. Watson Armour III Seminar Series will feature Lisa Lucero of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Ward Theater.
Planning your visit
Throughout the month, the Field Bistro on the museum’s main level features special dishes and ingredients from Latin America.
View our Spanish map or pick up a paper copy when you arrive at the museum. We also have visit guides available in Spanish and Portuguese.
Shop online
Celebrate Latinx Heritage with special merchandise, books, and toys. All purchases help support the Field’s work.
Recommended Reading
In the spirit of group reading, here are recommended reads for adults and kids from our friends at the Chicago Public Library.
Learning Resources
Monarchs Legend Story and Coloring Book
Read The Legend of the Parákata or color your own version of the story!
Latinx Heritage Month Scavenger Hunt
As you explore the Museum, discover the impact Latinx staff have made with our scavenger hunt. Download below or pick up a copy as you enter the Museum.
Búsqueda del Tesoro español
English Scavenger Hunt
Why "Latinx"?
Our goal for Latinx Heritage Month is to celebrate the scientific ingenuity and cultural uniqueness of Latinx staff, researchers, and work that has been carried out in Latin America and the United States. In doing so, we would like to move away from language-centered terminology such as “Hispanic,” as it pertains to Spanish speakers and thus excludes many people who celebrate this month. The term “Latinx” has been used as a gender-neutral alternative to describe people of Latin American descent. The “x” replaces what in Spanish are the traditional “male” or “female” endings, “o” and “a.” We recognize that no label is perfect, especially when defining a diverse group of people. Our hope for this year’s celebrations is to elevate and highlight Latinx stories and invite people to reflect on how they would like to be seen, thus beginning an excellent tradition for Latinx staff and community that will continue to grow and become more successful with time. Thank you for celebrating with us.
Additional resources
Field Museum staff members have a variety of different roles across the museum. Here are some featured speakers from past Latinx Heritage Month celebrations. Bilingual Virtual Collections Tour Andean Anthropology with Luis Muro Mammals in the Andes-Amazon Region with Farah Carrasco Cultural Monarch Ties with Airis Cervantes.
Thank you to all Field Museum staff who helped organize Latinx Heritage Month programming.