San Antonio’s West Side is full of historical and cultural significance.
It’s where many Mexican American civil rights organizations and movements got their start. It’s also home to the oldest public housing project in the city.
The community also has a deep rooted sense of cultural pride. Activists have long fought — successfully and unsuccessfully — against efforts to develop the area.
San Antonio’s Esperanza Peace and Justice Center has been at the forefront of the fight to preserve the West Side’s legacy structures, history, and culture.
Its latest effort was the physical opening of the Museo del Westside. The once virtual museum is now housed in the former Ruben’s Ice House and features oral histories, photographs, and stories from community members.
Texas Public Radio’s Jack Morgan sat down with Graciela Sánchez, the Esperanza’s executive director, to discuss the impetus behind the museum.
“The idea is that this is (a) community museum,” said Sánchez. “If you live in the north side, the south side, the east side, even if you don’t live in San Antonio anymore. We have seen many people come back and say, ‘My grandmother lived here … we want to know more.’”
Sánchez said the museo plays an important role in preserving a narrative often forgotten about the West Side, including the many leaders who have come out of the area.
“You get to read little snippets about all these folks that made not just San Antonio important and not just the West Side, but helped to create policies, became lawyers, fought lawsuits that went all the way to the Supreme Court and made changes.”
The museo is currently closed for the holidays but will reopen Jan. 6.
Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
