Colorful posters, beautiful clothing, aromatic spices and detailed infographics are just a taste of what is proudly displayed at the South Garland High School Library as part of its annual Hispanic Heritage Museum. Librarians Lisa Latham and Leann Schilling work tirelessly each year to create an in-depth learning experience for their students, allowing them to interact with cultural history without leaving the campus.
The Hispanic Heritage Museum explores Mexico, Central America, and South America, helping students gain exposure to the regions and their notable people. This year, the museum focused on Central America, exploring legends, cuisines such as Mole (pronounced “Mo-lay”), and traditions like the Guatemala worry doll, of which several were crafted to give to students. Students have the opportunity to engage in hands-on experiences at the museum, with crafts, puzzles, and more.
“It’s a good chance for kids who don’t normally come to the library. They can see things they recognize, that represent them, that make them feel included… they can touch things, they can work together, and they don’t have to be quiet,” said Lisa Latham, the original creator of the museum experience.
From small beginnings came the Hispanic Heritage and its predecessor the Black History Museum, each starting more than 10 years ago. The museum has been built up over time, with an effort to add new content each year. New for this year was a section dedicated to Calaveras, informational posters covering Central America, and a coloring activity to match. The displays teach students unfamiliar with Hispanic culture and recognize students who grew up in it. For some newcomers to the United States, it also brings a sense of joy to see familiar things.
“You can hear the excitement in their voices when they recognize a place they’ve been or someone they know!” said Latham.
For Latham, the installations are a great way of showing support and appreciation to her students, staff, and school.
“We’re a great school, and our teachers and students give their utmost every day. We love getting to represent our amazing teachers and students with these museums,” she said.
The passion the librarians have for the museum is returned by both staff and students. Multiple students spoke of how much they enjoyed connecting with the culture, the displays, and the activities, noting how much time and effort had gone into their creation. Some former students even created posters and other props to go along with the museum. Teachers, too, have become passionate about the museum, with many making time within their classes to take their students to see the installation.
“I always bring my kids to Hispanic Heritage Month and African American History Month because it’s important and allows for these conversations; to learn and respect cultures and their beauty…It’s another way for us, as educators, to build that relationship with our kids. I look forward to it every year,” said Melissa Ramirez, AVID teacher at SGHS, watching her students enjoy the exhibit.
There are great ambitions for the displays at the library, with hopes to add disciplines like science, fashion design, and art to the rotation. Coming up later in the year, Latham hopes to add some small displays for Native American Heritage Month and continue expanding the Black History Museum.
Both librarians are passionate about how their work contributes to the school experience and the importance of the resources they carry.
“Libraries are the heart of the school, and Garland ISD libraries are carrying that heartbeat loudly…I hope (the museums) become something that the kids look forward to going to every year.”
Be sure to look out for the next installation at the South Garland HS library and all of the great work happening there this year. #GISDUnmatched
Information and photo provided by Garland ISD.