For too long, the rich mosaic of Latinx history and heritage has been relegated to the margins of the field of historic preservation. Despite Latinx people being the largest ethnic group within the country, less than 1 percent of Latinx sites are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, leading to real-world consequences, leaving Latinx communities vulnerable to disinvestment, displacement, and the erasure of their cultural heritage.

To meet that need Latinos in Heritage Conservation (LHC) has released a new tool in the fight for cultural equity: the Latinx Preservation Toolkit (Toolkit). The toolkit was funded in part by the Moe Family Fund for Statewide and Local Partners as part of work with the Preservation Priorities Task Force. This resource encapsulates nearly four years of dedicated work by LHC and marks a significant stride toward fostering cultural equity in the preservation movement and redefining who is doing historic preservation work.

The Latinx Preservation Toolkit

The Toolkit equips Latinx communities with the knowledge and toolbox they need to take charge of their own community preservation efforts by:

Democratizing access to information: The Toolkit levels the playing field by providing clear, concise explanations of historic preservation, concepts, and processes. The Toolkit includes culturally relevant examples showcasing proven practices through communities doing amazing work.

Toolkit users can explore the work to preserve Pike Park in Dallas, Texas, or the LULAC Council 60 Club House in Houston, Texas. Each case study provides a glimpse into the different ways in which cultural heritage is being preserved. The Toolkit and videos examples empower individuals to step into leadership roles within their communities and advocate for the protection of their sacred sites and stories.

Building vibrant, livable Latinx communities: Vibrant, livable Latinx communities go beyond brick and mortar. In San Antonio’s Westside, the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center’s Community Land Trust, featured in the Latinx Preservation Toolkit, stands as a testament to this ethos. Dedicated to nurturing a flourishing barrio through affordable housing, this initiative provides examples of community members leading impactful preservation efforts. It fosters the creation of wellness-focused, thriving, livable, and meaningful spaces that significantly contribute to the identity of the community.

This is just one example of the case studies included in the Toolkit.

Beyond the Toolkit

However, the development of this resource is just the first step.

LHC plans to integrate the Toolkit into educational settings, from K-12 classrooms to professional development workshops for educators and community leaders. Through these workshops, LHC will offer clear, non-jargon definitions, share the roles of local partners and federal agencies, and explain in detail the processes for designating specific historic sites—this ensures community members, ranging from elders to youths, have the tools and knowledge to preserve their heritage.