Austin Museum Day 2024

President Lyndon Johnson proclaimed the first national Hispanic Heritage celebration and recognition in 1968. In his speech, President Johnson said,

“It is with special pride that I call the attention of my fellow citizens to the great contribution to our national heritage made by our people of Hispanic descent—not only in the fields of culture, business, and science, but also through their valor in battle...

The people of Hispanic descent are the heirs of missionaries, captains, soldiers, and farmers who were motivated by a young spirit of adventure, and a desire to settle freely in a free land. This heritage is ours.”

Proclamation 3896, September 17, 1968

President Reagan would later turn this celebration into a month-long observation, but kept the original September 15th start date. September 15th recognizes the beginning of many independence days and movements of Latin American nations. On the annual city-wide celebration of Austin museums, the LBJ Presidential Library is excited to continue President Johnson’s celebration of the people, culture, and achievements of the American citizens and residents whose culture and ancestry stem from our Latin American neighbors.

Visitors to the Library on Sunday, September 22, 2024, enjoyed free admission, arts and crafts for all ages exemplifying the beauty of Hispanic cultures, story time for kids, and an afternoon on the Plaza with paletas & music from Sofrito y Su Melao.

About Austin Museum Day

Since 1998, the Austin Museum Partnership has coordinated Austin Museum Day, a community event which offers free admission and includes special programs and activities at museums and cultural institutions across the area. Austin Museum Day is held on the penultimate (second to last) Sunday of the month of September.

About Sofrity y Su Malao and All Rhythms

Sofrito y Su Melao is a Cuban, Latin, and Salsa band from Austin, Texas that supports the activities of All Rhythms. All Rhythms is a local non-profit with the “goal of inspiring and developing life-long learning habits through music and arts for under-served populations of all ages.”