Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino Announces $1 Million Gift From AARP

The National Museum of the American Latino has announced a $1 million gift from AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) to support the development of the museum. This major gift establishes AARP as one of the founding donors of the Museum of the American Latino. 

“We are incredibly grateful to AARP for this generous gift,” said Jorge Zamanillo, director of NMAL. “Their support will help us create a museum that speaks to intergenerational audiences.” 

AARP’s donation will enable the museum to produce public programs and exhibitions while the facility is under construction. The National Museum of the American Latino inaugurated its first gallery in June with “!Presente! A Latino History of the United States.” Located in the Molina Family Latino Gallery at the National Museum of American History, the exhibition showcases the many stories of Latinas and Latinos who have shaped the history of the United States and helps visitors envision the museum’s future.

“AARP is proud to be a founding supporter of the Smithsonian’s Museum of the American Latino,” said Annette Franqui, Chair of the AARP Board of Directors. “Our organization has a long history—through advocacy, education and partnership—of supporting this important community. We’re thrilled to be a part of what will be an incredible repository of Latino history and culture.”

About the National Museum of the American Latino

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino advances the representation, understanding and appreciation of Latino history and culture in the United States. The museum collaborates with other museums to expand scholarly research, public programs, digital content, collections and more. The museum’s Molina Family Latino Gallery is the Smithsonian’s first gallery dedicated to the Latino experience. The legislation creating the National Museum of the American Latino at the Smithsonian passed Dec. 27, 2020. Connect with the museum at latino.si.edu, and follow @USLatinoMuseum on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

# # #

# # #

SI-331-2022