The Smithsonian’s Board of Regents proposed two locations for the National Museum of the American Latino and the American Women’s History Museum on the National Mall on Thursday.
The sites are on vacant land that is controlled by the National Park Service near the southwestern portion of the Mall, with one located on the Tidal Basin. The proposals still need congressional approval, but the locations are supported by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
“The Congressional Hispanic Caucus applauds the Smithsonian Board of Regents for affirming that the National Museum of the American Latino rightfully deserves a place on the National Mall,” Chairman Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-CA) said in a statement. “Today’s announcement demonstrates a strong commitment to honor and celebrate the Latino community’s stories as an essential piece of American history.”
Congress previously passed legislation in 2020 that authorized the creation of the two museums but required the Board of Regents to designate the locations before the end of 2022.
The sites were selected through a process of elimination that began with a list of approximately 25 properties. The list was narrowed down to 14 in March and four in June.
The proposal was celebrated by the National Museum of the American Latino, with board Chairman Henry Munoz highlighting the important role that Latinos played in U.S. history.
“On behalf of the Board of the National Museum of the American Latino we commend Secretary Lonnie Bunch and the Smithsonian Board of Regents for a thoughtful, open, inclusive site selection process that we believe has arrived at the best place possible on our National Mall to tell the stories of Latino contributions to American history, heritage, culture, arts and science,” Munoz said in a statement shared with the Washington Examiner. “This beautiful site will welcome all Americans as we illuminate a more complete American story for all people.”
President Joe Biden supported the creation of both museums during remarks last month, stating that both groups played a large role in the development of the country.
“It’s a history that beats in the soul of our nation and that lives in the dreams of those who’ve only just arrived and in the legacy of families who’ve been here for generations,” Biden said. “For that reason, Congress should take action to honor the Latino community and women with their own museums on the National Mall as a reflection of the important role each plays in the fabric of our Nation.”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Which museum will be located at each site is still being determined and is expected to be announced following approval from Congress, according to the Smithsonian. But if the proposals fail to get approval before the end of the year, the museum promoters will need to restart the lobbying process.
The National Museum of the American Indian and the National Museum of African American History and Culture were the most recent additions to the National Mall. They opened in 2004 and 2016, respectively.
