The Intrepid Museum is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by spotlighting Hoyo Negro, a remarkable Mexican archaeological site featured in the new Mysteries from the Deep: Exploring Underwater Archaeology exhibition. The immersive display honors both the scientific and cultural contributions of Hispanic heritage to our shared human story, and its bilingual presentation in both Spanish and English deepens its impact for all audiences.
Hoyo Negro stands out for two main reasons: the discovery of Naia, a 12,000-year-old woman whose DNA links her to modern Native Americans, and the treasure trove of Ice Age animal remains found at the site.
Naia’s remains have reshaped our understanding of ancient migrations, showing anatomical differences among early peoples resulted from evolution rather than separate migrations. Rare animal fossils from Hoyo Negro reveal what life in Ice Age Mexico was like, connecting visitors to extinct species such as giant ground sloths and saber-toothed cats.
The exhibit’s digital interactive game invites visitors to explore a virtual model of the Hoyo Negro cave and its Ice Age treasures, blending education and adventure in both Spanish and English. Highlighting Hoyo Negro and collaborating with Mexican institutions provides opportunities for Hispanic and Latinx audiences to reconnect with ancestral histories and celebrate the diversity within the field of archaeology itself.
As the exhibition makes clear, underwater archaeology is a field shaped by international collaboration, technology and diverse perspectives—including those rooted in Hispanic cultures.
As visitors journey through Mysteries from the Deep, the story of Hoyo Negro invites reflection on the deep roots and vibrant diversity of Hispanic heritage in the Americas. Its presence at the Intrepid Museum is not just a celebration of scientific achievement but also a testament to the ongoing collaboration, innovation and cultural resonance fostered when stories are told in both Spanish and English.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, join in exploring a past that belongs to all—and discover how the echoes of ancient Mexico continue to shape our shared future.
To learn more, visit the Intrepid Museum. Tickets can be purchased here. Explore our collections and our digital guide.
Want to visit the museum? We would love to have you! Find out all about our offerings here and plan your trip today.
If you join our membership program you can visit the museum any time! Plus enjoy many membership perks at a discounted rate.
