A Latino Cultural Museum Coming to Fort Worth

This past Saturday (2/25), I attended the first formal stakeholder meeting of the “Let’s start a museum,” not the real name. I was both surprised and pleased to see that the turnout was over 50 people (so much to our “Raza don’t care” talk)

By A Govea

The meeting was held at the Rose Marine Theater and was hosted by Artes de La Rosa Board Chair Tanisia Queppet. Rosa Navejar led the meeting and discussion as the LCM committee chair. For those that may not know her, she is the former head of the local Hispanic Chamber of Commerce among her many roles. Eva Bonilla will also lead the steering committee, and Emerico Perez, Arturo Martinez, and others will take a lead role.

As a short overview as to what the museum will be, Rose Navejar promised that it would detail the history of the Latino community in Fort Worth and surrounding areas. Ms. Navejar pledged that ‘The good, the bad, and the ugly’ would be documented. All while celebrating the richness and diversity of the Latino community in the Fort Worth area.

The meeting included a video presentation by Guy Herman with Museum Insights, an expert on creating and sustaining museums. Mr. Herman reviewed best practices for a successful museum and the startup process. His guidance in the process should allow the newly formed committee to have a startup plan and a guide to fundraising. Which, of course, is never a one-size-fits-all. Pero must be tailored to your specific mission.

There is no doubt that a lot of work lies ahead, however I believe we have the right folks involved to get it done. The work has begun if you want to get involved you are free to contact me, and I will connect you to the committee. After all it is our story, so we need you to tell it best. Watch this space for updates.