<h2>Hispanic Heritage History Project Items : oral history interviews, photographs, & documents</h2>
<h2>Select one of the following to begin browsing our collection:</h2>
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<h2><a href="http://omeka.buffalolib.org/items/browse?collection=3">Oral history interviews</a></h2>
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<h2><a href="http://omeka.buffalolib.org/items/browse?collection=4">All Photographs <em>(including photo albums)</em></a></h2>
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<h2><a href="http://omeka.buffalolib.org/items/browse?search=&advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=&range=&collection=&type=&user=&tags=Photo+album&public=&featured=&exhibit=&submit_search=Search+for+items">Photo albums<em><br /></em></a></h2>
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<h2><a href="http://omeka.buffalolib.org/items/browse?collection=7">Documents</a></h2>
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1st Grease Pole Climb
1st Grease Pole Climb (El Palo Encebao) at the Centro Social Puertorriqueño. Est. 1969, 261 Swan Street, Buffalo, NY 14204, Today known as the oldest ethnic festival in WNY, celebrated every year in the month of July on the grounds of Pucho Olivencia Community Center.
Hispanic Heritage "Bring Us Your History!" Project
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
1969
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=37&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Hispanic+Heritage+Council+of+WNY%2C+INC">Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY, INC</a>
Digital collection copyright 2016 by the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. This collection or portions thereof are not to be used for any commercial purposes without the expressed written permission of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. Users of this website are free to utilize material from this collection for non-commercial and educational purposes.
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Digital Collections
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1st Puerto Rican Democratic Club
Photograph Taken at St. Columba Roman Catholic Church on Hickory and Eagle Streets. Seated: Julia Valentin, Rosario Callado, Sylvia Rodriguez, Rafael Rodriguez, Pucho Olivencia, Msgr. Anthony Caligiuri, Judge Colucci, Sidney Harris, Pedro Maurás. Standing: Chevere, Antonio Rodriguez, Wenceslao Valentin, Almedia Ortiz, Isabel Texidor, Teddy Muniz, Wenceslao Rodriguez, Gaspar Ruiz, Juan Texidor, Juan Negron, Artemio Sanchez, Primitivo DeLeon, Eliesor Jorge, Nicasio Gonzalez, Stephanie Berrios
Hispanic Heritage "Bring Us Your History!" Project
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
1960
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=37&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Hispanic+Heritage+Council+of+WNY%2C+INC">Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY, INC</a>
Digital collection copyright 2016 by the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. This collection or portions thereof are not to be used for any commercial purposes without the expressed written permission of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. Users of this website are free to utilize material from this collection for non-commercial and educational purposes.
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Digital Collections
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3 Kings Celebrations : Photo Album
The 3 Kings Celebration is a large community festival taking place in January. Local organizations and/or churches organize festivities each year. Community members design costumes and decorate various venues to celebrate the arrival of the 3 Kings.
Hispanic Heritage "Bring Us Your History!" Project
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=37&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Hispanic+Heritage+Council+of+WNY%2C+INC">Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY, INC</a>
Digital collection copyright 2016 by the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. This collection or portions thereof are not to be used for any commercial purposes without the expressed written permission of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. Users of this website are free to utilize material from this collection for non-commercial and educational purposes.
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Digital Collections
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65th Infantry Regiment “The Borinqueneers” Congressional Gold Medal
65th Infantry Regiment “The Borinqueneers” Congressional Gold Medal. H.R. 1726 Signed into Law by President Barack H. Obama in 2014 at the White House in Washington, DC.
Hispanic Heritage "Bring Us Your History!" Project
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
2014
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=37&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Hispanic+Heritage+Council+of+WNY%2C+INC">Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY, INC</a>
Digital collection copyright 2016 by the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. This collection or portions thereof are not to be used for any commercial purposes without the expressed written permission of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. Users of this website are free to utilize material from this collection for non-commercial and educational purposes.
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Digital Collections
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65th Infantry Regiment “The Borinqueneers” Congressional Gold Medal
65th Infantry Regiment “The Borinqueneers” Congressional Gold Medal. Buffalo Native Juan B. Negron and 65th Infantry Regiment Veterans greeted by President Barack, Obama. At the White House 2014, Local Borinqueneer.Buffalo Native Juan B. Negron and 65th Infantry Regiment Veterans greeted by President Barack Obama
Hispanic Heritage "Bring Us Your History!" Project
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
2014
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=37&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Hispanic+Heritage+Council+of+WNY%2C+INC">Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY, INC</a>
Digital collection copyright 2016 by the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. This collection or portions thereof are not to be used for any commercial purposes without the expressed written permission of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. Users of this website are free to utilize material from this collection for non-commercial and educational purposes.
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Digital Collections
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Agustín Chito Olivencia Complete Interview
This interview was conducted in Cheektowaga, New York on September 14, 2012. The interview was conducted by Stephanie Bucalo. It is difficult to hear the interview sometimes because there is a bit of background noise. Agustín Olivencia, or “Chito”, shares some very personal stories about his family in the interview, which causes him to be emotional at times. Agustín Chito Olivencia was born in Hormigueros, Puerto Rico and his father (Pucho Olivencia) brought the family to North Collins in 1950 because there was work available on the farms. The family later moved to the east side of Buffalo, and were one of the only Latino families in the neighborhood at the time. Chito attended St. Lucy’s, a Catholic school, and at first he had trouble with the language, but his father was in the army and he was learning English, so when he would come home he would teach the kids. As a child, Chito had a passion for activism and started his own club with his friends called the Latin American Youth Organization. He was also exposed to the world of politics at a young age because he would observe his father and sometimes have to drive him to court or other places in the community to help people. Chito’s activism followed him to adulthood and even though he worked for the Erie County Parks, he also dedicated his time to community involvement. He was in charge of a radio station, had his own newspaper, ran a political group and helped in planning and executing community events. It is evident that he was highly influenced by his father, who was always involved with the community offering help and guidance to others. Chito has always enjoyed politics, and although he is now retired, he still continues to be involved with the Hispanic community. Chito is very passionate about continuing what his father started when he was alive. His activism and political involvement has made him a huge asset to the Hispanic community and has set the bar high for the other generations to follow. Chito is motivated by the attitude that when you set your mind to something, you can make it happen, and he and his family have left this legacy behind.
Esta entrevista ocurrió en Cheektowaga, Nueva York el 14 de septiembre de 2012. La entrevista fue realizada por Stephanie Bucalo. Es difícil escuchar la entrevista a veces porque hay un poco de ruido en el fondo. Agustín Olivencia, o "Chito", comparte algunas historias muy personales sobre su familia en la entrevista, que a veces le provoca que esté emocional. Agustín Chito Olivencia nació en Hormigueros, Puerto Rico y su padre (Pucho Olivencia) llevó la familia a North Collins en 1950 porque había trabajo en las granjas. Un poco más tarde la familia se mudó a la parte oriental de Búfalo y era una de las únicas familias latinas en el barrio durante la época. Chito asistió a Santa Lucía, una escuela católica y al principio tenía problemas con el idioma, pero su padre estaba en el ejército y estaba aprendiendo inglés, cuando volvía a casa lo enseñaba a los niños. Chito tenía una pasión para el activismo durante su niñez y fundó su propio club con sus amigos que se llama la Organización de la Juventud Latinoamericana (LAYO). También estaba expuesto al mundo political durante su juventud porque él observaba a su padre y a veces tenía que llevarlo a la corte o a otros lugares en la comunidad para ayudar a la gente. El activismo de Chito siguió hasta la edad adulta y aunque trabajó para los parques del Condado de Erie, también dedicó su tiempo en la participación dentro de la comunidad. Tenía una emisora de radio, tenía su propio periódico, estaba a cargo de un grupo político y ayudó en la planificación y ejecución de eventos de la comunidad. Es evidente que era influenciado mucho por su padre, quien siempre estaba involucrado en la comunidad ofreciendo la ayuda y la dirección a los demás. Chito siempre ha disfrutado de la política, y aunque ahora está jubilado, él continúa a involucrarse en la comunidad hispana. Chito está muy apasionado a continuar lo que su padre empezó cuando estaba vivo. Su activismo y participación política le ha hecho un gran recurso para la comunidad hispana y se ha puesto el listón alto para las otras generaciones en seguida. Chito es motivado por la actitud de que cuando propones algo, puedes hacerlo realizar, y él y su familia han dejado este legado aquí.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Agust%C3%ADn+Chito+Olivencia+%28Interviewee%29">Agustín Chito Olivencia (Interviewee)</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Stephanie+Bucalo+%28Interviewer%29">Stephanie Bucalo (Interviewer)</a>
Hispanic Heritage "Bring Us Your History!" Project
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
2013-09-29
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=37&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Hispanic+Heritage+Council+of+WNY%2C+INC">Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY, INC</a>
Digital collection copyright 2016 by the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. This collection or portions thereof are not to be used for any commercial purposes without the expressed written permission of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. Users of this website are free to utilize material from this collection for non-commercial and educational purposes.
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Digital Collections
audio/mp3
English
Agustin Pucho Olivencia Community Center : Photo Album
The Agustín "Pucho" Center was organized on the East Side of Buffalo. It was constructed by its own members in 1969. The center provided a venue for community events such as dances, weddings, funerals and other gatherings. The center was named after Agustín "Pucho" Olivencia because he is arguable the most noted and respected member of the community.
Hispanic Heritage "Bring Us Your History!" Project
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
1969
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=37&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Hispanic+Heritage+Council+of+WNY%2C+INC">Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY, INC</a>
Digital collection copyright 2016 by the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. This collection or portions thereof are not to be used for any commercial purposes without the expressed written permission of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. Users of this website are free to utilize material from this collection for non-commercial and educational purposes.
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Digital Collections
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Alicia Granto
This interview with Alicia Granto took place on August 26, 2013 in Buffalo, NY and was conducted by Stephanie Bucalo. Alicia was born in Cuba but later migrated with her family to Niagara Falls, NY. Alicia was fifteen years old when she first arrived and admitted that the transition from Cuba to the United States was challenging. At the time there were only two Cuban families living in Niagara Falls so many people didn’t really know about her culture. Alicia describes her time living in Niagara Falls where she met her first husband and raised her family. She explains that having a strong work ethic really helped her succeed especially considering she faced so many challenges. Eventually, Alicia moved to Buffalo where she became involved in the Hispanic community and she took a job at Buffalo State College where she helped develop a program to encourage Hispanic students to attend the university. It was called the Latino Extravaganza. In addition to recruiting students at Buffalo State College, she became a part of the Hispanic Women’s League which is a non-profit organization that awards scholarships to Hispanic women and encourages them to attend local universities. Alicia explains how women apply for the scholarship and that the organization really wants to encourage Hispanic women to be more than just homemakers. Alicia also discusses various aspects of the Hispanic community in Buffalo and different community events that still take place today. Alicia is very proud of her roots and feels it is important to maintain them.
Esta entrevista con Alicia Granto tomó lugar el 26 de agosto de 2013 en Búfalo, NY y fue conducida por Stephanie Bucalo. Alicia nació en Cuba pero más tarde migró con su familia a Niagara Falls, NY. Alicia tuvo quince años cuando ella llegó ahí y admitió que la transición de Cuba a los Estados Unidos fue difícil. Al momento hubo solamente dos familias cubanas viviendo en Niagara Falls entonces mucha gente no conocía la cultura. Alicia describe su vida viviendo en Niagara Falls donde primero conoció a su esposo y creció a su familia. Ella explica que su ético de trabajo la ayudó fuertemente a lograr sus metas especialmente porque ella se encontró enfrente de muchos desafíos. Eventualmente, Alicia se mudó a Búfalo donde ella se involucró en la comunidad hispana y tomó un puesto a Buffalo State College donde ella ayudó a desarrollar un programa para animar a los estudiantes hispanos que asisten a la universidad. Se nombró el Latin Extravaganza. En adición al reclutar a los estudiantes a Buffalo State College, ella se puso miembro de la Liga de Mujeres Hispanas, la cual es una organización sin ganas de lucro que les regala becas a mujeres hispanas y les anima asistir a una universidad local. Alicia explica cómo las mujeres se solicitan a la beca que sean más que amos de casa. Alicia también los varios aspectos de la comunidad hispana en Búfalo y los eventos diferentes de la comunidad que todavía toman lugar hoy en día. Alicia es muy orgullosa de sus raíces y siente que es importante mantenerlas.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Alicia+Granto+%28Interviewee%29">Alicia Granto (Interviewee)</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Stephanie+Bucalo+%28Interviewer%29">Stephanie Bucalo (Interviewer)</a>
Hispanic Heritage "Bring Us Your History!" Project
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
2013-08-26
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=37&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Hispanic+Heritage+Council+of+WNY%2C+INC">Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY, INC</a>
Digital collection copyright 2016 by the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. This collection or portions thereof are not to be used for any commercial purposes without the expressed written permission of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. Users of this website are free to utilize material from this collection for non-commercial and educational purposes.
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Digital Collections
audio/mp3
English
Alicia Portugues
This interview with Alicia Portugues was conducted by Maritza Vega in Buffalo, NY. Alicia Portugues migrated to Buffalo with her family. Alicia focuses her interview on where she grew up in Buffalo and her time with at the Mexican Club.
Esta entrevista con Alicia Portugues fue conducida por Maritza Vega en Búfalo, NY. Alicia Portugues emigró a Búfalo con su familia. Alicia enfoca su entrevista en donde ella se crecía en Búfalo y su tiempo en el Club Mexicano.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Alicia+Portugues+%28Interviewee%29">Alicia Portugues (Interviewee)</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Maritza+Vega+%28Interviewer%29">Maritza Vega (Interviewer)</a>
Hispanic Heritage "Bring Us Your History!" Project
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
2014-08-04
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=37&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Hispanic+Heritage+Council+of+WNY%2C+INC">Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY, INC</a>
Digital collection copyright 2016 by the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. This collection or portions thereof are not to be used for any commercial purposes without the expressed written permission of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. Users of this website are free to utilize material from this collection for non-commercial and educational purposes.
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Digital Collections
audio/mp3
English/Spanish