ENDANGERED LATINX LANDMARKS
Herencia is more than a memory
Introducing a groundbreaking iniciativa!
The Endangered Latinx Landmarks program, led by Latinos in Heritage Conservation (LHC), is dedicated to identifying, prioritizing, and protecting Latinx heritage sites across the United States that are under immediate threat. These sites hold immense cultural, historical, and social significance, and face dangers such as demolition, gentrification, neglect, and the effects of climate change. Through this initiative, LHC will rally communities and gather public attention and resources to safeguard these vital landmarks, ensuring that Latinx heritage is recognized and preserved as a fundamental part of our nation's shared history.
The program calls on individuals and communities to contribute by nominating at-risk Latinx heritage sites in the continental U.S. and Puerto Rico. These nominations help highlight the significance of these places, outline the specific threats they face, and propose preservation solutions, allowing for collective action to preserve Latinx history for future generations.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
DUE DATE TO NOMINATE A LANDMARK
June 15, 2025
SITES WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON
September 16, 2025
DOWNLOAD OUR FORM!
Download our form here to know how to fill out the nomination submission!
CONTACT US
Hillary Morales Robles
Historic Preservation Officer
WHO CAN BE INVOLVED?
Members of the Community
If you know of a place that holds special meaning for you, your community or family, share it with us. Your stories help make sure these places get the recognition they deserve.
Historians and Preservationists
Professionals with knowledge in history, architecture, and associated historic preservation fields can assist by sharing expertise, advocating for the sites, and helping develop strategies to protect them.
Volunteers and
Activists
People who want to support the cause can help by raising awareness, participating in events, and spreading the word to others.
Organizations and Businesses
Groups that support historic preservation, community, and cultural projects can offer funding, resources, or partnerships to strengthen preservation efforts.
How can you GET INVOLVED?
nominate a site!
Submit a nomination for a Latinx heritage site that is at risk. Share its history, why it’s important, and what challenges it’s facing.
share with others!
Talk to friends and family, share stories on social media and other communication channels, or host discussions to highlight why these places matter.
WHAT QUALIFIES FOR NOMINATION?
For a site to qualify for nomination to the Endangered Latinx Landmarks program, it should meet these key criteria:
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Cultural or historical importance
The site should have a meaningful connection to Latinx history, culture, or community. This could be a place where important events happened, a site associated with an important historical figure, a landmark tied to Latinx heritage, or a location with deep community roots.
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Immediate
threat
The site should be at risk of loss or damage. This could be due to factors like planned demolition, redevelopment, neglect, environmental challenges, or gentrification.
Community value
The site should hold special meaning for the local or wider Latinx community. Nominations should explain why the site is important and how it reflects Latinx identity and stories.
Potential for preservation
There should be some possibility for the site to be saved or protected with community support, awareness, and resources. The nomination should suggest ideas for preserving the site, such as partnerships, fundraising, or public campaigns.
Step-by-Step Guide to Nominate a Landmark
What are the steps
for nomination?
Start by collecting details about the site—its name, location, and why it’s important to the Latinx community.
Clearly outline the current threats facing the site, like demolition, neglect, or environmental damage. Be as specific as possible to show the urgency.
Complete the nomination form through the Submittable. You’ll be asked to provide all the information gathered, as well as photos or documents that support your case.
Tell us why this site is important to you or your community. Sharing personal stories or why the place means so much can help bring attention to its value and make the case for why it should be saved.
What happens after a site is nominated?
After you submit a nomination, LHC's Historic Preservation Department and Board Members will review the site to make sure it meets the program's criteria. Our team will carefully look over each nomination and gather extra information, if needed, from the people who nominated the site. We might also consult with preservation experts and heritage organizations to make sure we understand the full picture of the site’s significance and risks.
If a site is selected as one of the Endangered Latinx Landmarks, it will be publicly announced as part of the program’s annual list. This brings attention to the site and helps rally support.
The program will work with local communities, organizations, and preservation experts to create an action plan. This could include awareness campaigns, fundraising efforts, or partnerships with local groups to protect the site.
The program will continue to follow up on the site’s status and work with stakeholders to track progress and adapt strategies as needed.
Latinx Roots Tracker
Support & Resources for Endangered Latinx Landmarks
The Abuelas
Project
The Abuelas Project collects, curates, and amplifies stories of important Latinx movements, sites, and people across the country.
This GIS project encourages intergenerational storytelling through Storymaps that focus on Braceros, abandoned Mexican cemeteries, Route 66, and more.
Latinx Preservation Toolkit
The Toolkit is a bilingual booklet that empowers Latinx communities by demystifying historic preservation. The Texas Toolkit highlights four Latinx heritage success stories across the state, defines preservation terms, and provides guidance on how students, community members, and youth can preserve their communities.
Our next Toolkit will feature diverse stories across the borderlands.
Nuestra Herencia
Grant Program
We launched Nuestra Herencia Grant Program in 2024, providing $600,000 annually for Latinx heritage and historic preservation projects. This funding initiative focuses on empowering grassroots, Latinx-centered nonprofits.
It is supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, in partnership with the Social Impact Fund, which has contributed $1.8 million over three years.
