Exploring the history of the American preservation movement, this book features a collection of essays by leading scholars, historians, and attorneys who discuss the role of federal, state, and local government; ethnicity; archaeology; and the private sector.

Firsthand sources are brought together to illuminate the diversity of American history in a unique way—by sharing the perspectives of people of color who participated in landmark events. This invaluable, four-volume compilation is a comprehensive source of documents that give voice to those who comprise the American mosaic, illustrating the experiences of racial and ethnic minorities in the United States. Each volume focuses on a major racial/ethnic group: African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and Latinos. Documents chosen by the editors for their utility and relevance to popular areas of study are organized into chronological periods from historical to contemporary. The collection includes eyewitness accounts, legislation, speeches, and interviews. Together, they tell the story of America's diverse population and enable readers to explore historical concepts and contexts from multiple viewpoints. Introductions for each volume and primary document provide background and history that help students understand and critique the material. The work also features a useful primary document guide, bibliographies, and indices to aid teachers, librarians, and students in class work and research.

Along with the writings, "Rico and Mano provide a historical, social, cultural, and literary context for the readings. Informative chapter introductions, the inclusion of key laws and other contextual documents, and the chapters' focus on the experiences of a particular ethnic group all contribute to a deeper reading of the selections and a richer understanding of America's pluralistic society."--Cover.

American Mosaic presents the recollections of 140 immigrants from six continents and fifty countries who have settled all across the United States.