Find helpful La Cucaracha links, and links to other resources, like various Colorado archives.
La Cucaracha and the Archives
La Cucaracha News has an intertwined history with the CSU-Pueblo Archives, the Colorado Historic Newspaper Collection (CHNC), and History Colorado, collectively reflecting the newspaper’s commitment to preserving its heritage and contributing to the broader historical narrative of Colorado and the Southwest.
The connection between La Cucaracha News and the CSU-Pueblo Colorado Chicano Movement Archives began in 2004. CSU-Pueblo, with its dedication to preserving Chicano Movement history, recognized the cultural significance of La Cucaracha as a bilingual newspaper serving the Hispanic community in Pueblo, Colorado. As a result, some of newspaper’s archives (including numerous editions, interviews with key staff and founders, and many photographs), are housed within the university’s archival collections. This arrangement makes these materials accessible to researchers, students, and the general public.
The Colorado Historic Newspaper Collection (CHNC) contains the most complete collection of digitized copies of La Cucaracha in its collection of historical Colorado newspapers. La Cucaracha News has been an essential contributor to this initiative. Inclusion in this collection allows individuals worldwide to explore the newspaper’s content, which covers a wide array of topics, including Chicano Movement events, cultural celebrations, and social issues.
History Colorado, the state’s historical society and museum, has a collection of photographs taken by Juan Espinosa for both La Cucaracha and El Diario newspapers as an invaluable source for understanding Colorado’s multicultural history. Many of Espinosa’s photos have been used in exhibits, research projects and published in History Colorado’s Heritage magazine.
In essence, the collaboration between La Cucaracha News, the CSU-Pueblo Archives, the CHNC, and History Colorado exemplifies a shared commitment to preserving and promoting the historical and cultural heritage of Colorado. This partnership ensures that the newspaper’s legacy endures for generations to come, fostering greater appreciation for the rich tapestry of voices and stories that have shaped the state’s history. It serves as a model for how local newspapers and historical institutions can work together to preserve the past and make it accessible to all.