08/31/2026
Did you know? From 2003-2010, the Hispanic Research Center participated in the Quetzal Project, an international research initiative.
The Quetzal bird is one of the most beautiful birds in the world. Researchers traveled from Southern Mexico through Central America to study the Quetzal and its cultural significance. Through this project, they discovered that the Quetzal bird has long been significant to the ancestors of the Mayan, Aztec, and other native communities. The project also explored the famous penacho of Moctezuma, highlighting the bird’s historical importance across generations.
Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of impact by uncovering the stories behind the Hispanic Research Center.