The Threads of Memory: Spain and the United States

George Washington Painting on exhibition

SEACEX (Sociedad Estatal para la Acción Cultural Exterior - State Corporation for Spanish Cultural Action Abroad) in collaboration with American and Spanish Embassies, brings the exhibition "The Threads of Memory: Spain and the United States" to the public.

The goal is to bring back the important impact and cultural influence that Spain has had in the United States. For 309 years, from 1513-1822, Spain reined over 15 states, from Florida to Nebraska, through Tennessee, and all the way to Texas and New Mexico.

This heritage, however, is widely unknown among the general population of both the US and Spain. Spain has written records of their first contact with the geography and natives. Although Spain left little physical evidence of its presence, from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast, Castilian (Spanish) names remain in use, a testimony to Spanish presence in the area.

The US ambassador to Spain, Alan D. Solomont, commented that "Spaniards left their mark on American culture, history and way of life. This exposition demonstrates the vast Spanish cultural heritage carefully preserved over the centuries," Alan also reminded people that the US has more Spanish speakers than Spain and that "The Threads of Memory" would have a positive impact on the Hispanic population.

Over two hundred documents are on display starting from the arrival of Juan Ponce de León through to 1822 when the Spanish flag was lowered in California.

Some of the items on display include:

• Illustrations and Comments by Juan de Ponce de León upon discovering the "Island" of Florida
• A map from 1519 of the Gulf of Mexico.
• A map of the Mississippi River done in 1699
• Exploration journals from sailors and missionaries
• A Great Plains Bison drawing from the 16th Century
• Friendship treaties signed with Indian nations such as the Cherokee, Chikasaw, Chakta and Talapuche.
• A painting of George Washington, on loan from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, by Venetian painter Josef Perovani.

The curators wished to highlight the role and relationship that Spain had during the American Revolution, as it is one of the least known historical facts. Falia González, head of conservation of the Archivo General de Indias, commented that Spain has been "unjustly neglected, as it gave substantial assistance during the American Revolution". Figures like Bernardo de Gálvez promoted American Independence from England and even sent ships from Cádiz to fight for the cause.

The exhibition is divided into ten sections, from first contact in 1513 through the signing of the Guadalupe-Hidalgo Treaty in 1848:

1. First contact
2. Physiognomy of North America
3. New lands, old myths
4. The conquest of the spirit: the missions
5. The defence of the frontier and the prison system (military garrisons)
6. Advances and retreats in the 17th century
7. The distribution of North America: Spanish Louisiana
8. Science and politics: The Russian threat and the last discovery expeditions
9. A new country is born: the United States of America
10. The expansion of the United States.

The US ambassador to Spain, Alan D. Solomont, commented that "Spaniards left their mark on American culture, history and way of life. This exposition demonstrates the vast Spanish cultural legacy carefully preserved over the centuries," Alan also reminded people that the US has more Spanish speakers than Spain and that "The Threads of Memory" would have a positive impact on the Hispanic population.

Don't miss the exhibition! The following are the museums and dates where you can learn about US's rich Spanish heritage:

THNOC, The Historic New Orleans Collection
New Orleans (USA)
May 10 - July 10, 2011

El Paso Museum of History
El Paso (USA)
January 22 - April 24, 2011

New Mexico History Museum
Santa Fe (USA)
October 16, 2010 - January 9, 2011