The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture (NMPRAC) in Chicago celebrated a major milestone this month as it received accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) during its annual Raíces Gala 2026.

The accreditation, considered the highest distinction for museums in the United States, was formally presented by Marilyn Jackson, president of the AAM, during the gala. The event brought together members and supporters of Chicago’s Puerto Rican community to celebrate the museum’s work preserving and interpreting Puerto Rican arts and culture.

The gala also featured the presentation of the National Ceiba Awards to actors Justina Machado and Anthony Ramos and musician Ángel “Cucco” Peña. The awards recognized their contributions to Puerto Rican arts and culture through film, television, theater and music.

Founded in 2000, the NMPRAC is the only national museum outside Puerto Rico devoted exclusively to Puerto Rican arts and culture. The museum is housed in the historic Humboldt Park Stables and Receptory in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood, which is home to one of the country’s largest Puerto Rican communities.

HITN Media has partnered with the museum on educational and cultural initiatives aimed at preserving Hispanic heritage, highlighting Latino voices and expanding access to public media programming.