The Smithsonian Institution has announced a $10 million grant from Lilly Endowment in support of the design, development, and construction of the National Museum of the American Latino.

The grant will boost the development and implementation of strategies for highlighting the role of religion in Latino history and culture through the museum’s collections, exhibitions, and public programming. The Smithsonian recently launched the museum’s first exhibition, “¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States,” at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. “Presente” includes ceremonial and religious objects connected to African, European and Indigenous spiritual traditions that have had enduring effects on Latino communities.

“The Smithsonian plays a pivotal role in helping individuals and families understand and celebrate the many diverse stories that come together to form the rich tapestry of our country’s history and culture,” said Lilly Endowment CEO and chair N. Clay Robbins. “We are pleased to help support the development of the National Museum of the American Latino and strengthen its efforts to inform visitors about how religious traditions have shaped and continue to influence Latino history and culture.”

(Photo credit: Flickr/Haddad Media)