Name
¡Puro Ritmo! Teaching History Through Objects (In-Person)
Date
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Time
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM (EDT)
Description

Explore the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino's new exhibition, ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa, which traces salsa's evolution from its Afro-Cuban roots to its rise as a cornerstone of American music alongside jazz and rock 'n' roll. In this session, participants will take a guided tour and engage in a hands-on object biography activity, learning to narrate an object's life story, historical context, and significance as a primary source. Leave with a replicable classroom strategy that deepens students' ability to analyze primary sources by uncovering the history, ownership, and cultural significance behind everyday objects.

 

Where To Meet:

Meet between 1:15 pm - 1:30 pm in the National Museum of American History's Constitution Avenue lobby just after going through security. Session programming takes place from 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm. Please note: the National Museum of the American Latino's Molina Family Latino Gallery is located on the 1st Floor East inside the National  Museum of American History.

Speakers
Natalia M. Febo, National Museum of the American Latino
Jorge Perez-Ratcliffe, Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Latino
Gabriela Ríos Villegas, Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino
Natalia M. Febo Jorge Perez-Ratcliffe Gabriela Ríos Villegas
Session Type
2-hour in-person experience (Thurs., July 16 only)
Session Track
Placing History in Context
Grades
3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Subject Areas
English/Language Arts, Social Studies, Visual Arts
Audience
PreK and Elementary School Teachers, Middle and High School Teachers, Media Specialists and Librarians, Museum Educators and Staff, Non-Profit Organizations in Education
Location Name
National Museum of American Latino (inside the National Museum of American History)