March over to the Tejano Civil Rights Museum

The first facility in the nation solely dedicated to the Hispanic civil rights movement opened in Corpus Christi recently. The Tejano Civil Rights Museum and Resource Center is located in the Grande-Grossman House in Heritage Park.
The museum's mission is the preservation and education of the rich history of the Tejano and Mexican-American culture rooted in the South West. 
“There should be a museum dedicated to the struggles that our forefathers went through so that we may enjoy the freedoms we have today,” said Dr. Nick Adame, president of LULAC Council No. 1, about the founding of the new museum. “The idea of a museum dedicated to the Hispanic history of Texas and the Tejanos who contributed to the development of our state has be talked about for many years."
It began to become a reality when Adame spoke to Dr. Manual Flores about the idea. Flores is chairman of the Texas A&M-Kingsville Department of Art, Communications and Theater. He initiated presenting the idea for the museum to university administrators. 
“The strong support of Dr. Tallant [Steven H. Tallant, Ph.D., president of Texas A&M University-Kingsville] was a major factor in bringing the museum to fruition,” said Flores.
After much collaboration between multiple organizations, a five-year lease agreement between the City of Corpus Christi and LULAC Council No. 1 was secured for the Grande-Grossman House to accommodate the museum. Multiple academic departments of A&M-Kingsville provided content, including art exhibits, historical displays and lectures. Other partners include Del Mar College and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. 
Six rooms in the house are filled with artifacts, including historic maps, photos and art. Each month the museum features a collection from a Hispanic artist. 
“The museum will keep our culture alive by introducing it back into the community,” said Dr. Nick Adame. “This will be here for the next generations.”
The Tejano Civil Rights Museum & Resource Center is currently open to the public with free admission on weekends. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, and 1-6 p.m. Sunday. 
The museum is located at 1517 N. Chaparral St. is available for private events. For more information call (361) 425-5611.