In this powerful episode, I interview Sehila Mota Casper, Executive Director of Latinos in Heritage Conservation (LHC) to explore the urgent need to preserve Latinx historical sites across the United States. LHC was co-founded in 2014 by an intergenerational group of heritage practitioners, advocates, scholars, and students interested in building a national network to support Latinx preservation efforts across the country. Despite Latinx communities making up nearly 20% of the U.S. population, less than 1% of sites on the National Register of Historic Places reflect Latinx heritage — a sobering statistic that underscores how entire chapters of American history risk being erased before they’re ever acknowledged.
Tucson is a big part of the Latino in Heritage Conservation’s origin story and has for many years been a regularly visited place for their team to convene with Tucson folks in regards to the work of heritage, conservation, storytelling, and building community relationships. Through various projects Tucson has become a fixed destination for LHC staff to collaborate with various partners, while continuing to build a network throughout the U.S.
Sehila highlights LHC’s latest initiative recognizing 13 significant Latinx landmarks across 10 states. LHC launched this program called the Endangered Latinx Landmarks as part of the initiative to preserve and educate the public about sites that hold immense cultural, historical, and social significance, and face dangers such as demolition, gentrification, neglect, and the effects of climate change. These range from tortilla shops and LGBTQ+ safe spaces to murals, cemeteries, and adobe churches — all places that serve as anchors of memory, migration, and resilience. Each site carries the weight of everyday stories that collectively shape the American experience, yet many face immediate threats from gentrification, demolition, and climate change. The conversation emphasizes that historic preservation is about more than buildings — it’s about recognition, visibility, and care. It’s a call to ensure that Latinx communities see their stories reflected and preserved in the cultural narrative of the nation. LHC’s work is rooted in preserving the histories of the Latinx heritage, people, and places.
