The American Latino Heritage Fund Announces The Top Destinations To Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Explore 400-Years of American Latino History in a National Park Near You

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the American Latino Heritage Fund (ALHF) of National Park Foundation (NPF) announced some of the best ways for you and your family to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in America's national parks.  From September 15 through October 15, our country celebrates the rich culture and traditions of the Latino community and there is no better place than the national park system to learn about its vital history and contributions to the American experience.

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Year round, the American Latino Heritage Fund works to preserve and celebrate the cultural, economic and civic contributions of Latinos throughout American history. Currently, there are dozens of locations designated as "Latino Heritage" sites within the national park system. However, ALHF is focused on ensuring that additional memorials, landscapes, parks and historic landmarks are designated to tell a more comprehensive story of Latino involvement throughout our history. You can help to further this mission by supporting the American Latino Heritage Fund at www.alhf.org.

"American Latino History is American History, and Hispanic Heritage Month presents us with the perfect opportunity to learn about the full scope and history of the American experience," said Midy Aponte, Executive Director of the National Park Foundation's American Latino Heritage Fund. "National parks also provide infinite ways for ALL Americans to engage in our shared history and expand our knowledge of the unique story of how our country came to be."

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the American Latino Heritage Fund has announced the list of top destinations and events to visit and learn about American Latino history:

• September 30 - Cabrillo Festival and Re-enactment at Cabrillo National Monument (California)
• October 6 and 7 - Hispanic Heritage Month Commemoration at Gulf Islands National Seashore, (Florida)
• October 7 - Archeological Tour of Barrio de Tubac and Tumacacori Mission at Tumacacori National Historical Park (Arizona)
• October 13 -  International Rio Grande Delta Archeology Fair at Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park (Texas)
• Saturdays - Tour of Rancho de las Cabras at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (Texas)
• Saturdays and Sundays - Ranger-led kayak tours at De Soto National Memorial (Florida)
• Saturdays - Art for Starters at El Morro National Monument (New Mexico)

To find out more about Hispanic Heritage Month, please visit http://hispanicheritagemonth.gov/.  To find out more about national park events nationwide, please visit www.nps.gov.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN LATINO HERITAGE FUND
The American Latino Heritage Fund of the National Park Foundation will assist the National Park Service and communities across the country to ensure that our national parks and historic sites preserve, reflect and engage the diverse stories and communities of American Latinos for future generations. For more information, please visit www.alhf.org.

About the National Park Foundation
You are the owner of 84 million acres of the world's most treasured memorials, landscapes, ecosystems, and historic sites -- all protected in America's nearly 400 national parks.  Chartered by Congress, the National Park Foundation is the official charity of America's national parks.  We work hand in hand with the National Park Service to connect you and all Americans to the parks, and to make sure that they are preserved for the generations who will follow.  Join us in supporting your national parks -- this is your land.  www.nationalparks.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Midy Aponte, 202.354.6482
[email protected]

SOURCE National Park Foundation