Work begins on Museum of the American Latino

A committee of political, business and cultural leaders Tuesday officially began its work to establish a museum that honors American Latinos. KPCC’s Washington Correspondent Kitty Felde reports.

Six years ago, Congress launched the effort to create the Museum of the American Latino. Now the committee that will make the museum happen is in place. Its job is to figure out where it should be built – and how much it will cost.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar calls himself the "custodian of American history" since he's in charge of the museums on the national mall. He says the stories of Latinos are missing from America’s history.

"We’re part of the American mosaic. We are inclusive of an inclusive America. We’re not outside that American dream."

Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria is the best known committee member.

"We will work diligently to explore the possibility of creating a national museum that will recognize the rich history of Latinos in our country."

Cost estimates for the Museum of the American Latino range up to half a billion dollars. When will it open? That’s a good question. The National Museum of the American Indian was created by Congress in 1989, but didn’t open for visitors until 15 years later.