Delve into the history of Latinos in the Midwest during FDLPL's History at Home

Sergio M. González, assistant professor of Latinx Studies at Marquette University, will discuss Latinos in the Midwest during the Fond du Lac Public Library’s History at Home program in September.

On Thursday, Sept. 8 at 6 p.m., González will talk about his more recent research on the broader picture of Latinos in this part of the country, with Wisconsin being the central hub. He is the author of “Mexicans in Wisconsin.” 

No registration needed; attend in person or watch on Facebook Live.

Since the start of the 21st century, the Midwest’s Latino population has increased by more than 90%. Their presence in the region, however, is anything but new, as migrants have traveled to and settled across the Midwest since the early 20th century. 

How have those populations transformed an area often referred to as the American Heartland? This presentation will address that question by exploring issues of history, education, literature, art, and politics defining today’s Latino communities in the Midwest.

González will delve into a variety of topics, including the migration and settlement patterns of Latinx peoples in urban and rural areas, nativist movements and legislation aimed against Latino immigrants, bold experiments in dual-language immersion education, as well as issues connected to the integration of neighborhoods, churches, and even sports teams. 

As a historian of 20th-century U.S. immigration, labor, and religion, González’s scholarship focuses on the development of Latino communities in the U.S. Midwest. His first book, “Mexicans in Wisconsin” (Wisconsin Historical Society Press, 2017), offered a concise introductory history of Mexican settlement and community formation across the state. 

His current project, “Strangers No Longer: Latino Belonging and Faith in 20th Century Wisconsin,” explores the relationship between Latino communities, religion, and social justice movements in twentieth century Wisconsin.

History at Home programs focus on stories about the area's past every month. Programs are held on the second Thursday of every month at 6 pm in the McLane Room. The programs are free; no registration is necessary to attend. Those who are unable to attend in person may watch live via Facebook at facebook.com/FDLPL. Many History at Home programs also are captured on video and shared on the library's YouTube channel.