Introduction
Courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution The Smithsonian Institution, which operates the National Museum of American History (above), is being urged by some to create a Latino museum. A federal commission will soon issue a report to Congress on whether to create a new national Latino museum as part of the Smithsonian Institution.
The idea for a Latino museum was born in the mid-1990s when a panel appointed by the Smithsonian found that its exhibitions virtually ignored Latino contributions to American art, culture and science.
Federal money for the museum does not appear to be an option, as it was for the National Museum of the American Indian and the museum of African-American history, which will begin construction next year. But in tough economic times, it's hard for the private sector to finance and sustain new and even old museums.
Is creating more culturally specific museums a good idea? Do ethnic museums face particular challenges in maintaining a wide audience and financial support?
Read the Discussion »Debaters
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An Era of Decreasing Resources
Kym Rice, George Washington University
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A Fix for Ignorance and Exclusion
Arlene Davila, professor of anthropology
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What We've Learned at El Museo
Tony Bechara, chairman, El Museo del Barrio
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Symbolism Matters
Tey Marianna Nunn, National Hispanic Cultural Center
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How Ethnic Museums Came About
Edward M. Luby, professor of museum studies
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