NEWS & BLOG

Paleoanthropologists found a molar in a cave in Laos that possibly belonged to a member of the Denisovans, a group of humans that lived about 500,000 to 30,000 years ago. If the molar is confirmed, it will be the first fossil evidence of the Denisovans.

Researchers first identified the Denisovans in 2010. Their research depicted that they were from Southeast Asia, specifically in places such as Australia and the Philippines.

The molar found was estimated to be between 131,000 and 164,000 years old, belonging to a female who died between the ages of three and a half and eight and a half. Researchers identified the molar as a Denisovan since it did not resemble the teeth belonging to the Homo sapiens or Homo erectus species.

Original post by Margaret Osborne

Read more here: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/ancient-molar-found-in-laos-could-help-fill-in-a-gap-in-human-history-180980105/

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino announced its first exhibition will open on June 18^th.

The official opening of the National Latino Museum is expected to be in production for eight to twelve years, but the first exhibit premiere is to give the public a preview of what the museum will have to offer.

The exhibition opening this June will be called “¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States”. The exhibit will highlight and showcase the historical and cultural legacy of Latinos in the U.S. in conjunction with a website that includes oral histories, historical biographies, and 3D objects displayed at the gallery.

Original post by Nicole Acevedo/NBC News

Read more here: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/smithsonian-gives-preview-planned-national-latino-museum-first-exhibit-rcna28405

Edith Kanaka’ole is one of five women who will be featured on U.S quarters next year [2023]. This is a part of the American Women Quarters Program.

The United States Mint will issue 20 quarters over the next four years honoring women and their achievements in shaping the nation’s history.

Kanaka’ole died in 1978 and was a composer, chanter, dancer, teacher, and entertainer. The Edith Kanaka’ole Foundation in Hilo was established in 1990 to keep Kanaka’ole’s and her husband’s teachings alive. These teachings consisted of educating others on Hawaiian culture and language. The Edith Kanaka’ole Foundation is still active in the community.

Original post by NBC News

Read more here:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/native-hawaiian-hula-teacher-featured-us-quarters-year-rcna22424

Visit the Edith Kanaka’ole Foundation website at: https://edithkanakaolefoundation.org/index.php 

La Plaza Cocina located in downtown Los Angeles, CA, is the first American museum dedicated to Mexican cuisine. 

La Plaza Cocina is an extension of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, a museum celebrating Mexican American and Latino culture and identity.

The museum extension focuses on all related Mexican cuisine by acknowledging each region of Mexico. There is a kitchen in the museum where individuals can take cooking classes. In the gift shop, visitors may purchase cookbooks, decorative items, and utensils used to prepare traditional dishes.

Original post by Emily Williams/Smithsonian Magazine

Read more here: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/new-museum-in-california-celebrates-rich-history-of-mexican-cuisine-180979806/