Anchorage, AK — Life for the first Latinos in Alaska was not easy. Strong bonds of solidarity helped them survive. Berta Preciado, who arrived from Mexico in 1979, shares that in the early 1980s, when fewer Latinos lived in Anchorage, she often received calls from the airport with people asking, “Here is a lady who speaks Spanish. Can you pick her up?” She would invite them to sleep at her house and help them find jobs. A sense of community helped new arrivals adjust to life in Alaska and thrive. Preciado reflects: “Whenever a family arrived, we all gathered coats to help them get the proper gear for the winter. We learned together to lend each other a hand.” 

Alaska’s Latino community has roots stretching back almost 150 years, and an exhibition opening Sept. 13 at the Anchorage Museum called Nuestra Huella (Our Footprint) invites visitors to explore and celebrate Alaska’s Latino heritage. Organized by Enlaces Alaska, Nuestra Huella presents photographs, community stories, archival research, artworks, and cultural belongings that together offer a comprehensive look at the traditions, beliefs, and histories that shape Latinx communities across Alaska. Nuestra Huella programs include hands-on learning opportunities focused on Latinx foodways, culture, dance, and craft traditions offered throughout the exhibition’s run.

Nuestra Huella is on view Sept. 13, 2024, to April 13, 2025, in two locations within the museum: the First Floor, East Wing Education Hallway, and the Second Floor, West Wing.

Public Event: Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Join us on Oct. 4, 2024, for a special celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with live performances, workshops, and other activities reflecting the richness and diversity of Latinx culture.

To RSVP for the press preview or for more information, please contact Leroy Polk at lpolk@anchoragemuseum.org.