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Influences of Hispanic Society and Culture in the United States

© Smithsonian Institution

Pilar O’Leary Date: Tuesday, 11 September 2007 Time: 9:00 a.m. EDT (1300 GMT) View Webchat Transcript

The contribution of Hispanic society and culture to the United States is as vast and varied as Hispanic heritage itself. Hispanic culture is influenced by the Spanish, French, Portuguese and English colonial powers; the African traditions brought by former slaves; and the American Indian societies throughout North and South America. The Smithsonian Latino Center was created to ensure that Hispanic contributions to art, science and the humanities are highlighted, understood and advanced through the development and support of public programs, scholarly research, museum collections and educational opportunities. Please join Pilar O’Leary, the director of the Smithsonian Latino Center, in a discussion about the influences of Hispanic society and culture upon the United States.

Guest Biography: Pilar O’Leary is responsible for fulfilling the Smithsonian Latino Center’s mission of fostering appreciation of Hispanic culture by sponsoring, developing and promoting exhibitions, collections, research and public programs, both in Washington and across the United States. O’Leary previously worked at Fannie Mae, where she advised the CEO on a wide range of corporate, business and strategic matters.