Greeley Museums seek Latino input

Greeley Museums have started brainstorming to better serve Latinos, but community leaders say there is still much work to be done.

Several Latino leaders met with museum staff and board members on March 25 in a four-hour session to discuss how to become more appealing to Latinos. Among those present were educators and representatives for Latino dance groups.

Art Terrazas, diversity specialist for Aims Community College, attended and brought many ideas of his own. He was pleased with the discussion, calling it "a step in the right direction," but said much work still needs to be done.

"I think we also need to talk to City Council," Terrazas said. "We need the support from the top. It comes from the top down, not the bottom up."

Funding would also be an issue, which Terrazas said would require the support of city officials and the community. He also would like to see a timeline set to ensure that goals are met.

"I don't want this to start up and just die," he said.

Some ideas Terrazas presented included bilingual information and brochures; activities that teach about Latino culture, such as adobe-building classes for kids; and displays and exhibits about Latino customs and role models.

Museum superintendent Chris Dill agreed there is still work to be done but said the museum has already made efforts to attract Latinos. For instance, several flyers are printed in both English and Spanish.

A problem Dill has noticed in Greeley is that many people -- Latino or otherwise -- don't know about the museums.

"Part of the problem is just communication," he said.

He also noted that the museums already organize activities that reflect Latino culture, but there does need to be more. He hopes translated flyers and the potential addition of Spanish-speaking tour guides will help. Future meetings are in the works.

"We just aren't convinced we're doing as good a job as we could," Dill said.

WHERE TO GO

The Greeley History Museum, 714 8th St.; open 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday. Information: 350-9220 or www.greeleymuseums.com