Miami Conversación on Hispanic Cultural Heritage

Over 50 participants shared memories of historic landmarks important to their Hispanic heritage at the Conversación convened by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Dade Heritage Trust on November 19, 2011. The discussions were held at the Miami Beach Resort and Spa in conjunction with the anniversary celebration of Operation Pedro Pan. Numerous poignant stories were told by Cubans who had come to the U.S. as unaccompanied children fleeing Castro, being cared for in camps, orphanages and foster homes. Facilitators were Tanya Bowers and John Hildreth of the National Trust and Jorge Hernandez, DHT Vice President and National Trust Trustee.

As a result of the Conversación, Dade Heritage Trust is working with Hispanic volunteers to plan special events and to update the Cuban Heritage Trail published a few years ago by the Florida Department of State.