Hispanic Heritage Month originated as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 through legislation sponsored by Congressman George E. Brown Jr. of Los Angeles and signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson. It was expanded to a month-long celebration in 1988 by legislation sponsored by Congressman Esteban Torres, amended by Senator Paul Simon, and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan. The first National Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation was issued by President George H.W. Bush in 1989. The month, observed from September 15 to October 15, recognizes the contributions and influence of Hispanic culture in the United States.
