Blue flower with white text in the middle that reads "The First 100". Behind the flower are pink, green, and orange flowers in front of a gradient blue background.

Chicanas Changing History

Mission

This initiative documents how, over the last 50 years, Chicana historians have transformed the way professional historians do and understand history, as well as who is included in U.S. history. Through professionally recorded oral histories in high resolution, broadcast quality footage, as well as data collection, participation in conferences, exhibitions, and public programs, the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History honors these contributions.

For more information, visit the links below:

 

Partner Site

Oral Histories

Maps

 

“Chicana historians are here to stay. We're exploding and we're not going anywhere other than here.”

–Dr. Emma Pérez, Professor of History, University of Arizona

Featured Objects

Pen and Ink Drawing by Felipe Adams, 1992

A hand-drawn pen and ink print of 2 Chicanas on cream colored paper.
This ink drawing by Felipe Adams pays homage to Dr. Camille Guérin-Gonzales, one of the first Chicana historians, and Dr. Ana Castillo, a distinguished poet and novelist.

Dr.Camille Guérin-Gonzales has passed away, but her legacy and impact in the field of history remain.

Gift of Dr. Susan Lee Johnson in honor of Dr. Camille Guérin-Gonzales 

Chicana Historians Association Weaving, 1983

A grey textile with golden yellow fringe and black text reads "Chicana Historians Assocation".
This weaving represents an organization advancing representation in academia that was created by the first Chicanas to receive doctorates in history.

It also reflects and honors the weaving tradition of Chicana and Indigenous women inthe American Southwest.

Gift of Gift of Dr. Cynthia E. Orozc 

Ray-Ban Sunglasses and Case, 1980s

A black pair of Ray-Ban brand sunglasses paired with a brown leather case with a black Ray-Ban logo
These objects document the legacy of Dr. Emma Pérez. Ray-Ban sunglasses are Dr. Pérez's trademark accessory. 

Ray-Ban sunglasses are Dr. Pérez's trademark accessory. 

Gift of Dr. Emma Pérez 

Las Mujeres Grandes, painting by Enedina Cásarez Vásquez, 2010

2010 Canvas Painting "Las Mujeres Grandes," by Enedina Cásarez Vásquez.
This object represents “... the beauty of family, work in the fields, nature, and travel through the countryside," that reflects Cásarez Vásquez's journey from Wisconsin to Michigan.

Cásarez Vásquez's artist statement continues: "... These colorful paintings depicted large women who appeared to break out of the canvas... We are ancient women who carry the secrets of life, we struggle against oppression, and who are no longer afraid to speak up and scream at the top of our lungs." 

Gift of Dr. Antonia Castaneda

Status of Chicana Graduate Students in the Department of History, UCLA, 1984

1984 "Status of Chicana Graduate Students in the Department of History, UCLA" document showing the table of contents of Chicanas/os in U.S. History, issues for Chicana graduate students, and recommendations.
This document is a historical snapshot of Chicana experience in the History department at the University of California, Los Angeles.

It reflects how Chicana historians had to pave their own way to succeed.

Gift of Gift of Dr. Cynthia E. Orozco

Pelikan Pen, 1980s

Brown leather case and a Black pelikan pen
The Pelikan pen is a gift from her mother and marks when Dr. Pérez obtained her first academic job at the University of Texas in El Paso.

Dr. Pérez purchased the leather pen holder in Madrid, Spain, when she was attending the Chicana/Latina literature conference in the 1990s. Conferences and networks are the way Chicanas survive academia.

Gift of Dr. Emma Pérez 

Conferences

Roundtable

Lorena Chambers leading the roundtable discussion with Chicana historians Emma Perez, Deena Gonzalez, and Cynthia Orozco
Filming at the Western History Association “The First 100: A Celebration of Chicana Historians”

The Team

Team members from right to left: Melissa J. Del Rosario, ToniAnn Trevino, Dr. Deena González, Bianca Pérez, Dr. Lorena Chambers, Cecelia Alatorre, Dr. Emma Pérez, Daisy Herrera, Dr. Cynthia Orozco, Dr. Margaret Salazar-Porzio
Left to right, back row: Melissa J Del Rosario, Dr. ToniAnn Treviño, Bianca Perez, Cecilia Alatorre, Daisy Herrera, Dr. Cynthia Orozco, Dr. Margaret Salazar-Porzio
Left to right, center: Dr. Deena González, Dr. Lorena Chambers, Dr. Emma Pérez

Oral Histories

Emma Perez holds up a poster for filmed oral history.
Building an archive, behind the scenes of the filming of Dr. Emma Pérez with Dr. Margaret Salazar-Porzio.

Contact Us

The First 100 is a project of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, the University of Michigan, and Chambers Lopez Strategies LLC. This project received generous federal support from the Latino Initiatives Pool, administrated by the Smithsonian Latino Center.

Este proyecto recibió apoyo de la Universidad de Michigan y apoyo federal del Fondo de Iniciativas Latinas, administrado por el Centro Latino Smithsonian.