As the topic of immigration continues to dominate headlines, it becomes more important to educate young readers on the history of other cultures, specifically the incredible contributions made by Latinos in America. The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History will open a permanent exhibit on influential Latinos in 2021. Charged with the task of telling the long, complicated relationship of Latinos in the U.S.— a relationship so long, it predates the country — the gallery offers an opportunity to reflect on the stories and experiences of Latinas and Latinos throughout the U.S. today.

Nuestra America highlights the incredible contributions of the following:

• Sylvia Acevedo
• Luis Alvarez
• Pura Belpre
• Martha E. Bernal
• Julia de Burgos
• Cesar Chavez
• Sandra Cisneros
• Roberto Clemente
• Celia Cruz
• Olga E. Custodio
• Oscar de la Renta
• Jaima Escalante
• Marcario Garcia
• Emma Gonzalez
• Laurie Hernandez
• Juan Felipe Herrera
• Dolores Huerta
• Jennifer Lopez
• Xiuhtezcatl Martinez
• Sylvia Mendez
• Lin-Manuel Miranda
• C. David Molina
• Rita Moreno
• Ellen Ochoa
• Jorge Ramos
• Sylvia Rivera
• Maria Elena Salinas
• Sonia Sotomayor
• Dara Torres
• Roberto Unanue