Making Utah Home: The History of Latinos in the Beehive State

 Utah State University’s Museum of Anthropology features a guest speaker at its next “Saturdays at the Museum” activity.

Utah Humanities Council speaker Armando Solorzano is the featured guest. He presents “Making Utah Home: The History of Latinos in the Beehive State” Saturday, May 21. His featured talk begins at 1 p.m.

Solorzano’s lecture includes the history of Latinos prior to 1950 and their contributions to the railroad, mining and agriculture in Utah.

In addition to the lecture, museum guests can create their own Papel Picado banner throughout the day. A Papel Picado is a series of colorful paper cutouts with various designs and colors, many based on historical traditions. The cutouts are combined to make the banner. Light refreshments will be served.

“This is a great opportunity for museum guests to learn about the many significant contributions that Latinos have made in the state of Utah,” said Melissa Allen, a Saturdays series program coordinator. “Dr. Solorzano brings to light the important role Latinos have played in the development of our state’s economy and infrastructure.”

Community members, as well as Utah State students, can visit the museum during its operating hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Funding for the Saturday events is provided by a grant from the United States Institute of Museum and Library Services. More information about the IMLS is available online (www.imls.gov).

The USU Museum of Anthropology is on the USU campus in the south turret of the historic Old Main building, Room 252. Admission is free. For Saturday activities, free parking is available in the adjacent lot, south of the building.

For more information about this event, call museum staff at (435) 797-7545 or visit the museum website (anthromuseum.usu.edu).