Volunteer for the Molina Family Latino Gallery
By now, the whole of the Smithsonian community is aware of and excited about the new National Museum of American Latino created through legislation last year (along with the American Women’s History Museum). While it will be many years before this new museum opens, did you know that a new gallery dedicated to Latino history and culture will be here much sooner?
Courtesy of the Smithsonian Latino Center
The Molina Family Latino Gallery will be the very first dedicated museum space on the National Mall celebrating the US Latino experience. There is plenty to be excited about and you need not wait to become involved. The Gallery is looking for volunteers like you to join their family right now! More on that later.
Natalia Febo is the Community Engagement and Volunteer Coordinator with the Smithsonian Latino Center. The Latino Center has had longtime oversight of the Smithsonian’s exhibitions and programs related to Latino history and culture. Originally from Puerto Rico, Natalia joined the Latino Center in December 2019. A lover of art and photography, her involvement with the center and the Smithsonian predates her time as a member of the staff. She interned with the Latino Center and worked as a facilitator with Spark! Lab at American History. Today, Natalia is heading up the efforts to build a volunteer program for the Molina Gallery and she wants to hear from you.
Dr. C. David Molina (1926-1996) worked as a school teacher before deciding to attend medical school. His work in the health industry included the founding of the Fortune 500 company Molina Healthcare Inc. In his remembrance, his five children collectively donated an incredibly generous $10 million to create and support the new gallery. Meet his children and learn more about why they made this gift here. The Molina family gift was accompanied by a $2 million gift from Target.
Courtesy of the Smithsonian Latino Center
Presente! A Latino History of the United States
To be located in a 4500 square feet exhibition space at the National Museum of American History, the Molina Gallery will be fully bilingual and uniquely accessible in both content presentation and overall experience. Visitors will see many themes throughout the space including 19th century US expansionism as it relates to both the Mexican American and Spanish American wars, as well as contemporary immigration stories. The inaugural exhibition Presente! A Latino History of the United States will focus on another very important theme: the role of Latinos in the shaping of our nation.
Floor-to-ceiling displays, digital interactives, stories from the past and present, the Learning Lounge which will serve audiences near and far, not to mention incredible programming, the Molina Gallery is certain to be an exciting new destination for Smithsonian visitors.
Courtesy of the Smithsonian Latino Center
No experience necessary
As with most things at the Smithsonian, the new gallery’s most important asset will be its volunteers. Natalia is looking for lifelong learners who want to be among the first to join the Molina Latino Gallery family. Gallery Docents will provide visitors a welcoming experience, sharing the new space with them through highlight tours. Learning Lounge Volunteers will facilitate activities in a dedicated space, engaging visitors of all ages in hands-on activities, connecting them to the gallery content.
No experience is necessary! Training for giving tours and facilitating the learning lounge activities will be offered. Natalia is excited to welcome both English and Spanish speakers. Check out https://latino.si.edu/gallery/volunteer to learn more and to get started! Please submit volunteer applications by November 8.
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Posted: 27 October 2021
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