Co-directed by faculty members Dr. Brenda Sendejo (Anthropology) and Dr. Alison Kafer (Feminist Studies) the LHP is a faculty-student research project that aims to enhance undergraduate education and provide resources on Latina/o and Chicana/o history in the Central Texas region. While the project began with the goal of digitizing the “Rostros y Almas/Faces and Souls” exhibit on local Tejanas, it has grown to encompass the broader mission of enhancing understandings of Latina/o and Chicana/o history. The LHP does so through the collection of oral histories from past and present members of Southwestern community as well as several activists, including key figures in the Chicana/o Movement in Texas.

The “Rostros y Almas/Faces and Souls” exhibit began in 1992 when photographer Mary Jessie Garza and co-curators Mary Visser and Lupita Barrera Bryant sought to create an exhibit that displayed the work of Latina women throughout Central Texas. The original exhibit displayed 31 photographs of the women paired with portrait descriptions. It debuted at the 1992 Brown Symposium held at Southwestern University, titled “Discoveries of America.” This campus event recognized the Quincentennial of Columbus’ arrival to the Americas. According to the 1992 Winter Southwestern Quarterly, the symposium featured a “range of academic disciplines who discussed interconnected meanings of America.” The exhibit discussed Columbus’ lasting effect on the various peoples of the Americas that were and are marginalized by the history of colonization. As of 2017, the original “Rostros y Almas” exhibit remains on display in the F.W. Olin Building at Southwestern University.

This collection includes materials related to the subjects photographed for the “Rostros y Almas” exhibit and the logistical process and administrative details of the exhibit, including permission forms, event programs, newspapers and newspaper clippings, resumes, letters of recommendation, biographical sketches, photos, letters, memoranda, handwritten notes, photocopies, slides, and micro cassettes.

The materials, in English and Spanish, cover the lives and contributions of the Central Texas Latina women chosen for the exhibit from 1960 to 1992; oral history interviews conducted with the participants by Mary Visser in 1991; the planning and exhibition of the “Rostros y Almas” exhibit from 1991 to 1992; and the Latina History Project’s use of the materials in 2017.

Box 1, “Info About Exhibition Subjects” is arranged by subject name. Box 2, “Logistical Info” is arranged by subject and type of materials. Box 3, “XX,” references the first narcotics investigator for the Texas Department of Public Safety and is restricted until 2067.

1 Info about Exhibition Subjects

1.1 Event Programs, 1990-1995

1. Program dated March 27, 1990 for performance “Women’s realities, Women’s choices” at Southwestern University

Panelists: Connie Arismendi, Kathleen Juhl, Dr. Janice McCullagh, Dr. Kay Turner, Dr. Kathleen Stewart; Moderator: Mary Visser

2. Program for 1991 Jessie Daniel Ames Lecture Series, “Women in Their Own Words”

Speakers/Performers: Dr. Carolyn See, The Southwestern University Opera Theatre 1990-1991, Dr. Shirley Geok-lin Lim

3. Program for 1992 Jessie Daniel Ames Lecture Series, “Women and Work”

Speaker: Dr. Mary M. Childers

4. Program for 1993 Jessie Daniel Ames Lecture Series, “Men, Women, and Work: Times are Changing”

Speakers: Dr. Juliet B. Schor, Marybeth Hallett, Larry Cordle, Patricia Gabella, Dr. Gwen Okruhlik, Dr. Patricia A. Wilson

5. Program for 1994 Jessie Daniel Ames Lecture Series, “Women and Culture: Building Bridges that Don’t Fall Down”

Speaker: Gloria E. Anzaldúa

6. Program for 1995 Jessie Daniel Ames Lecture Series, “Workplace Climates in the 1990’s: ‘Women and Men Working Together’”

Speakers: Jerry Kendrick, Gage E. Paine, Deborah Wood, Albert Almanza, Camille Campbell Harmon

7. Program for “Rostros y Almas/Faces and Souls” January 8-February 6, 1992 (2 copies)

Names listed: Mary Jessie Garza, Mary Visser, Lupita Barrera Bryant

1.2 Eva Araiza Ybarra; October 1991

1. The Monitor, October 10, 1991, section containing article “Talent-rich accordionist proud of heritage” by Vilma Maldonado

2. Permission form for 1992 Brown Symposium signed October 23, 1991 by Eva Araiza Ybarra

1.3 Lois Vasquez; October 7, 1991, n.d.

1. Permission form and biographical sketch for 1992 Brown Symposium signed October 7, 1991 by Lois Vasquez (with copy)

2. Autobiographical narrative handwritten and signed by Lois [Vasquez], n.d., with note from Lois [Vasquez] to Lupita [Barrera Bryant]

1.4 Margarita Munoz Simon; 1960-1985

1. Austin Chicano Cultural Center calendar for 1973

2. The Austin Light volume 6 issue 15, August 2, 1985, section containing article “Noche Tropical para el H. Mayor de la Ciudad y Miembros del Concilio” by Margarita Simon

3. Clipping of picture from article “Noche Tropical para el H. Mayor de la Ciudad y Miembros del Concilio” by Margarita Simon [from The Austin Light volume 6 issue 15, August 2, 1985]

4. Sheet from La Fuerza, October 24, 1968

5. Clipping of article “In celebration of a shout for freedom” by Guillermo X. Garcia from Austin American-Statesman, September 10, 1985 (with photocopy)

6. Clipping of article “Fiestas Patrias Honors La Senora Munoz Simon” by Marty Levy, September 9, 1983

7. Clipping from El Democrata no. 4 volume 1, April 17, 1960

8. Clipping of article “Keeper of culture wins honor” by Bill Valdez from Austin American-Statesman, September 15, 1983 (with photocopy)

1.5 Rosie Serna; 1984-1991, n.d.

1. Permission form and biographical sketch for 1992 Brown Symposium signed October 9, 1991 by Rosie Serna (with copy)

2. Clipping, “American Deaf Dance Company,” n.d.

3. Letter of recommendation for Rosie Serna from Yacov Sharir, April 13, 1984

4. Letter of recommendation for Rosie Serna from Sharon Vasquez, April 13, 1984

5. Letter of recommendation for Rosie Serna from Kate Fisher, n.d.

6. Letter of recommendation for Rosie Serna from Larry D. Evans, n.d.

7. Letter of recommendation for Rosie Serna from Emily R. Espinoza, April 28, 1991

8. Memorandum from Rosie Serna to Sandra Haire, September 9, 1991

9. Resume of Rosie Serna, n.d.

1.6 Veronica Salazar; 1991, n.d.

1. Permission form for 1992 Brown Symposium signed November 1, 1991 by Veronica Salazar (with copy)

2. Biographical sketch of Veronica Salazar, October 1991 (with copy)

3. Resume of Veronica Salazar, n.d. (with copy)

1.7 Manuela Soliz Sager; October 10, 1991

1. Permission form and biographical sketch for 1992 Brown Symposium signed October 10, 1991 by Manuela Soliz Sager

1.8 Ruby Nelda Perez; 1985-1991, n.d.

1. Photograph of Ruby Nelda Perez by Al Rendon, n.d.

2. Note from Ruby Nelda Perez to Lupita [Barrera Bryant], n.d.

3. Resume of Ruby Nelda Perez, n.d., with blurb for play “A Woman’s Work” (with copy)

4. Copy of article “‘Una Noche de dos Mujeres’ benefits Los Actores fund” by Ed Conroy in San Antonio Express-News, May 12, 1990 (2 copies)

5. Letter from Maria Antonietta Berriozabal to Ruby Nelda Perez, May 15, 1990 (2 copies)

6. Copy of excerpt written by Doretta Massardo McGinnis for S.A. Women’s Magazine, volume 2, number 7, December 19uu (2 copies)

7. Copy of article “Chicana poetry creates insights for listener” by Steve Bennett in San Antonio Light, October 21, 1985 (2 copies)

8. Copy of article “S.A. Woman’s play to be part of Hispanic Heritage Week” in San Antonio Express-News, September 7, 1988 (2 copies)

9. Copy of article “$6000 in arts fellowships given” in San Antonio Express-News, June 22, 1986 (2 copies)

10. Copy of article “Melendrez to join in salute to Hispanic arts” in San Antonio Light, September 14, 1988 (2 copies)

11. Copy of clipping of article “Perez’ perfect portrayals all in ‘A Woman’s Work’” by Oscar Garza in San Antonio Light, April 17, 1988

12. Permission form and biographical sketch for 1992 Brown Symposium signed November 14, 1991 by Ruby Nelda Perez (2 copies)

13. Copy of article “4 clowns’ delightful slapstick” by Dan Goddard in San Antonio Express-News, June 14, 1989 (2 copies)

14. Copy of article “Globe Awards ceremony to honor best in local theater” in San Antonio Light, August 25, 1991 (2 copies)

1.9 Irma Rangel; 1991, n.d.

1. Permission form for 1992 Brown Symposium signed October 7, 1991 by Irma Rangel (with copy)

2. Resume of Irma Rangel, n.d. (with copy)

3. Photocopy of chapter “First Chicana Legislator” in Women in Texas by Ann Fears Crawford and Crystal Sasse Ragsdale, n.d.

4. Photograph of Irma Rangel, 1991

5. Memorandum from Jerry Keeling to [Lupita Barrera] Bryant, December 20, 1991, with envelope

1.10 Lidia Perez; 1991-1992, n.d.

1. Permission form and biographical sketch for 1992 Brown Symposium signed December 17, 1991 by Lidia Perez

2. Notes about Lidia Perez, n.d.

3. Christmas card from [Lidia] Perez to Lupita [Barrera Bryant], 1991

4. Invitation for “Los Niños y el Mundo” presented by La Peña on January 12, 1992

1.11 Cynthia Perez; 1991, n.d.

1. Permission form and biographical sketch for 1992 Brown Symposium signed December 17, 1991 by Cynthia Perez

2. Biographical sketch of Cynthia and Lidia Perez sent to Lupita Barrera Bryant, n.d.

3. Notes about Cynthia Perez, n.d.

4. Comb-bound booklet about Las Manitas Avenue Café, n.d.

1.12 Ana Maria Coronado Perez; 1991, n.d.

1. Letter from Roger A. Perez to Mary Visser, December 27, 1991, with copy and telecopier cover sheet

2. Permission form for 1992 Brown Symposium signed December 10, 1991 by Annie C. Perez

3. Biography for Mrs. Ana Maria Coronado Perez, n.d.

4. Permission form for 1992 Brown Symposium signed November 15, 1991 by Ana Maria C. Perez

1.13 Sylvia Orozco; 1991, n.d.

1. Permission form for 1992 Brown Symposium signed December 30, 1991 by Sylvia Orozco

2. Letter from Sylvia [Orozco] to Mary [Visser], n.d.

3. MEXIC-ARTE Museum Staff Biography of Sylvia Orozco, n.d.

4. “Major contributions to my community and to the Mexican American culture” by Sylvia Orozco, n.d., copy with handwritten notes

1.14 Aurora E. Orozco; 1978, 1985, 1991, n.d.

1. Permission form for 1992 Brown Symposium signed December 16, 1991 by Aurora E. Orozco

2. Aurora E. Orozco contributions list and quote, n.d.

3. Resume of Aurora Estrada Orozco, n.d.

4. Resume of Sylvia Orozco, n.d.

5. “Idioma” poem by Aurora Orozco, n.d.

6. “La Prensa” poem by Aurora Orozco, August 15, 1978

7. Photocopy of “Deja, mi idioma jamas” by Aurora E. Orozco, n.d.

8. Photocopy of “un dia en la Pisca de Algodon” by Aurora E. Orozco, n.d.

9. Copy of “El piscador” poem by Aurora E. Orozco in Revista Mujeres volume 2 number 2, June 1985

1.15 Amalia Rodriguez-Mendoza; 1991

1. Permission form for 1992 Brown Symposium signed October 7, 1991 by Amalia Rodriguez-Mendoza (with copy)

2. Letter from Amalia Rodriguez-Mendoza to Lupita Barrera Bryant, November 26, 1991, with attached biographical sketch and resume of Amalia Rodriguez-Mendoza

1.16 Gloria de Leon; 1992, n.d.

1. Fax cover sheet from Gloria de Leon to Lupita Bryant, January 3, 1992

2. Letter from Gloria de Leon to Lupita [Barrera Bryant], January 2, 1992

3. RSVP form from Gloria de Leon for Rostros y Almas/Faces and Souls reception, January 3, 1992

4. Note about Gloria de Leon, n.d.

1.17 Minerva Delgado Lopez; 1991, n.d.

1. Permission form and biographical sketch for 1992 Brown Symposium signed October 31, 1991 by Minerva Lopez (with copy)

2. Photocopy of article “She Helped Make Legal History” by Frank Trejo in San Antonio Light, n.d. (2 copies)

1.18 Severita Lara; January 2, 1992

1. Fax from Severita Lara to Barbara [Sappington] containing resume and biographical sketch of Severita Lara, January 2, 1992, with handwritten notes

1.19 Margarita R. Huantes; 1991, n.d.

1. Letter from Margarita R. Huantes to [Lupita Barrera] Bryant, October 15, 1991 (with copy)

2. Permission form for 1992 Brown Symposium, indicated for Margarita R. Huantes, unsigned, dated October 15, 1991 (with copy)

3. Resume of Margarita R. Huantes, n.d. (with copy)

1.20    Tish Hinojosa; 1992, n.d.

1. Permission form for 1992 Brown Symposium signed January 3, 1992 by Tish Hinojosa

2. Tish Hinojosa quote, n.d.

3. Tish Hinojosa biographical sketch, n.d.

4. Vision volume 4 issue 2, June 1992, with note dated June 29, 1992

5. Tish Hinojosa typescript, n.d.

1.21 Lena Guerrero; 1991, n.d.

1. Envelope from Lena Guerrero to Lupita Bryant postmarked December 23, 1991

2. Permission form for 1992 Brown Symposium signed October 21, 1991 by Lena Guerrero (with copy)

3. Copy of article “New Governors Pick Their Teams” by Humberto Lopes in Hispanic Business, June 1991

4. Biographical sketch of Lena Guerrero, n.d.

5. Photograph [of Lena Guerrero], n.d. (2 copies)

1.22 Carmen L. Garza; November 29, 1991

1. Permission form for 1992 Brown Symposium signed November 29, 1991 by Carmen L. Garza

1.23 Delia Peña Estrada; October 14, 1991

1. Permission form for 1992 Brown Symposium signed October 14, 1991 by Delia Peña Estrada with attached biographical sketch (2 copies)

1.24 Martha Cotera; 1991, n.d.

1. Permission form for 1992 Brown Symposium signed October 29, 1991 by Martha Cotera

2. Martha Cotera brief resume, n.d.

3. Martha Cotera full resume, n.d.

1.25 Norma V. Cantu; 1989, 1991, n.d.

1. Permission form for 1992 Brown Symposium signed December 5, 1991 by Norma V. Cantu

2. Norma Veronica Cantu resume, n.d. (2 copies)

3. Cover letter form Norma V. Cantu to Lupe [Lupita] Barrera Bryant, August 5, 1991

4. Photocopy of Vista, May 28, 1989, containing article “Educational Defense”

1.26 Belia Camargo; n.d.

1. Permission form for 1992 Brown Symposium signed by Belia Camargo with attached biographical sketch of Belia Camargo, n.d. (with copy)

1.27 Olivia “Ollie” Besteiro; 1991, 1992, n.d.

1. Permission form for 1992 Brown Symposium signed October 2, 1991 by Ollie Besteiro (with copy)

2. Biographical sketch of Olivia “Ollie” Besteiro, n.d. (with copy)

3. Fax from Olivia Besteiro to Lupita Bryant containing quote, January 3, 1992

4. Copy of Ollie Besteiro quote with edits, January 3, 1992

1.28 Maria Adela Barrientos; 1991, n.d.

1. Permission form and biographical sketch for 1992 Brown Symposium signed by Maria A. Barrientos, n.d.

2. Maria A. Barrientos quote and translation with envelope to Barbara Sappington postmarked December 17, 1991

1.29 Connie Arismendi; October 16, 1991

1. Permission form for 1992 Brown Symposium signed October 16, 1991 by Connie Arismendi (with copy)

1.30 Aida Barrera; 1991, n.d.

1. Permission form for 1992 Brown Symposium signed October 7, 1991 by Aida Barrera (with copy)

2. Aida Barrera biographical sketch, n.d. (with copy)

3. Aida Barrera resume, n.d.

2 Logistical Info

2.1 UT Press Letter, Women’s Studies; August 5, 1992

2.2 Rostros y Almas Exhibit; January 1992, n.d.

1. Discoveries of America Program, January 23-24, 1992

2. Rostros y Almas/Faces and Souls logistics sheet draft, n.d., with note from Mary [Visser] to Lupita [Barrera Bryant]

3. Negatives of Rostros y Almas/Faces and Souls photgraphs by Mary Jessie Garza with envelope postmarked January 27, 1992

2.3 Mary Jessie Garza Slides

1. Slides of photographs by Mary Jessie Garza, n.d.

2. Program for 1996 Jessie Daniel Ames Lecture Series, “Women Meeting: From the Conference Table to the Street”

Speaker: Dr. Marysa Navarro

2.4 Correspondence to Participants; 1991, n.d.

1. Copy of letter from Mary Visser to Cynthia Orozco, September 16, 1991

2. Draft of thank-you letter and reception invitation from Mary Visser and Lupita Barrera Bryant, n.d.

3. Letter from Mary Visser to Margarita Munoz Simon, September 30, 1991 (2 copies)

4. Letter from Mary Visser and Lupita Barrera Bryant to Marta Cotera, October 1, 1991 (2 copies)

5. Draft for letter to honorees, n.d., with copy

6. Draft of letter from Mary Visser and Lupita Barrera Bryant, October 1, 1991

7. Draft of letter from Mary Visser, n.d.

2.5 Rostros y Almas – Southwestern Quarterly; 1992

1. Draft of article “‘Rostros y Almas/Faces and Souls’ Focuses on Tejana Women” with note from Dan Yoxall to Mary Visser, n.d.

2. Article “Exhibit Focuses on Tejana Women” by Dan Yoxall in Southwestern Quarterly volume 3 number 2, Winter 1992

2.6 “Material to Copy and Return to Lupita” (Folder 1 of 2); n.d.

1. Dedication Rewarded: Prominent Mexican Americans by Veronica Salazar, n.d.

2. Dedication Rewarded Volume 2 by Veronica Salazar, n.d.

2.7 “Material to Copy and Return to Lupita” (Folder 2 of 2); 1991

1. Texas Monthly December 1991

2. “Tejano Conjunto Festival en San Antonio,” 1991

2.8 Austin Hispanic Directory; 1990-1991

2.9 Texas Arts Council; 1990-1991, 1992, n.d.

1. Envelope from Amalia Rodriguez-Mendoza to Lupita Barrera Bryant postmarked November 27, 1991 with note to Barbara from “L”

2. San Antonio Membership Directory and Buyer’s Guide, 1990-1991

3. “Hispanic Heritage: Mexican Influence” elementary school program by Texas Arts Council, n.d., with copy

4. Letter from Dr. Cynthia Herbert to Lupita Barrera Bryant, February 24, 1992

2.10 Rostros y Almas/Faces and Souls Show Specifications; n.d.

2.11 Publicity; January-February 1992

1. Clipping of “Hispanic Female Leaders Shine” by Dan Goddard in San Antonio Express-News, January 25, 1992

2. Letter from Paloma Gorostiza to Mary Visser, February 3, 1992

2.12 Proposals for Rostros y Almas/Faces and Souls; 1991, n.d.

1. Matrix of participants, n.d.

2. List of proposed candidates for Brown Symposium, July 16, 1991

3. Letter from Lupita Barrera Bryant to Mary Margaret Navarro, July 30, 1991

4. Rostros y Almas/Faces and Souls participant list updated October 28, 1991

5. Handwritten note, Dr. Mariz Ruiz, n.d.

2.13 Martha Cotera Portrait Request; November 13, 1992

1. Picture agreement with Gale Research, Inc.. November 13, 1992

2. Letter from Keith Reed to Michael Rosenthal, November 13, 1992

2.14 Mary Jessie Garza – Photographer; 1983-1992

1. Resume of Mary Jessie Garza, n.d.

2. Memorandum from Mary Visser to Carole Lee, December 5, 1991

3. Fax from Mary Jessie Garza to Mary Visser, January 10, 1992

4. Agreement for photographic services signed October 14, 1991 by Daniel C. Bryant and Mary Jessie Garza

5. Letter from Marry Visser to Mary Jessie Garza, October 6, 1991 (2 copes)

6. Letter from Mary Visser to Mary Jessie Garza, October 16, 1991

7. Mailings for Gallery Show: Rostros y Almas/Faces and Souls, October 17, 1991

8. Program for Arts Dialogue 1988, February 15, [1988]

9. Program for Contemporary Works Series, 1983 at San Antonio Museum of Art, January 23-April 10, 1983

10. Program for “El rostro nuestro de cada dia” by Mary Jessie Garza, n.d.

11. Program for “Mary Jessie Garza: The People of San Antonio,” 1988

12. Program for “Rostros y Almas/Faces and Souls,” January 8-February 6, 1992 (2 copies)

2.15 Budget for Rostros y Almas/Faces and Souls; 1991-1992, n.d.

1. Brown Symposium project notes, n.d.

2. Proposed budget for Brown Symposium photography exhibition by Mary Visser, n.d.

3. Memorandum from Barbara Sappington to Mary Visser, February 26, 1992

4. Account balance sheets, n.d.

5. Copy of invoices, September 7, 1991

2.16 Typescript of Rostros y Almas/Faces and Souls Presentation, n.d.

2.17 Faces and Souls Subject Bios; 1991-1992, n.d.

2.18 Southwestern Magazine Spring 2017; 2017

2.19 Interview Tapes; 1991

3 Restricted