OCTOBER 14, 2024 — The UTSA Mexican Cookbook Collection has been tapped by Google Arts & Culture (GAC), an online platform that offers high-resolution images and videos of artworks and cultural artifacts, to participate in its celebration of Latino Heritage Month. The university’s renowned collection is part of GAC’s new exhibit titled “Latino Cultures in the U.S.” Through this new online exhibit, visitors can get a close-up look at many of the collection’s rare books and read about and explore centuries-old recipes and their stories.
"Collaborations like these allow us to showcase the profound impact of Hispanic culture and history, both locally and globally,” said Dean Hendrix, UTSA vice provost and university librarian. “By digitizing these invaluable resources, we provide a platform for deeper exploration, helping students and scholars engage with the diverse stories that shape our community."
The Mexican Cookbook Collection boasts nearly 3,000 volumes from 1789 to the present. It is believed to be the largest collection of its kind in the United States.
The Special Collections GAC partner page features over 70 pages of history and rare recipes from seven cookbooks.
A two-part story explores some of the collection’s cookbooks from the 19th century, including the first cookbooks published in Mexico. These cookbooks reveal foundational recipes that crossed borders and shaped Mexican American culinary traditions. The GAC story also shows how the cookbooks evolved, with new recipes, illustrations and innovations reflecting Mexican cuisine's development and growing influence in the United States, particularly in border regions and among Mexican communities.
"The inclusion of the Mexican Cookbook Collection on Google Arts and Culture aligns with UTSA’s mission as a Hispanic Serving Institution, dedicated to fostering cultural understanding and academic excellence,” said Amy Rushing, assistant vice provost of Special Collections. “This collaboration highlights the richness of Mexican culinary heritage and supports our commitment to preserving and promoting the diverse narratives of Hispanic communities.”
Explore Further
- Learn more about Google Arts & Culture
- Explore, learn about and honor Latino heritage with Google
- Learn more about UTSA Libraries Special Collections
Google Arts & Culture highlights the treasures, stories and knowledge of over 3,000 cultural institutions from 85 countries.
“By making these resources accessible globally, we are empowering individuals to connect with and celebrate the vibrant history that shapes San Antonio and Mexico’s shared cultural identity," Rushing added.
Story By Germaine Age Williams
Video by John Elizondo