‘Unveiling Memories’: the Hispanic contribution to US independence
A project to rediscover the shared history of Spain and the United States
'Unveiling Memories' is a project initiated and sponsored by Iberdrola to recover, research and disseminate the contribution of Spain and the Hispanic world to US independence. The project builds on a series of cultural initiatives that began with efforts to recover this history. Following the Memory Regained exhibition (Bilbao, 2017), its scope expanded to include new research, outreach and the creation of a lasting legacy. In 2018, this exhibition tour continued with Recovered Memories, presented in New Orleans and Washington.
Project dates: 2017 to present
Illustration included in the book ‘Unveiling Memories: Spain and the Hispanic contribution to US independence’.
Illustration included in the book ‘Unveiling Memories: Spain and the Hispanic contribution to US independence’.
Illustration included in the book ‘Unveiling Memories: Spain and the Hispanic contribution to US independence’.
Key features of the project:
- 'Unveiling Memories', an international initiative: a project that highlights the contribution of Spain and the Hispanic world to US independence.
- Historical research and outreach: publications, exhibitions, digital resources and commemorative events to explore the Hispanic contribution to US independence in greater depth.
- Collaboration between institutions: a network of museums, research centres and cultural organisations from both countries.
- Creating a lasting legacy: work aimed at preserving this shared memory and bringing it to new audiences and generations.
‘Unveiling Memories’: a project to recover the history of the Hispanic contribution in the USA
Historians have long overlooked the contribution of Spain and the Hispanic world to US independence. 'Unveiling Memories'
External link, opens in new window. was created to help recover this part of our shared history and promote awareness of it in both Spain and the US.
This effort to recover this history has had some previous milestones. In 1976, to mark the bicentenary of US independence, Spain presented Washington with an equestrian statue of Bernardo de Gálvez. In 2014, the US Congress posthumously granted Gálvez honorary citizenship and his portrait was placed in one of the main halls of the Capitol.
This growing revival of historical memory formed the basis for the cultural tour organised by Iberdrola, first with 'Memory Regained' (Bilbao, 2017) and subsequently with 'Recovered Memories' (New Orleans and Washington, 2018). In line with these initiatives, the work formed part of 'Unveiling Memories', conceived as a project of broader scope.
A project aimed at creating a lasting legacy
'Unveiling Memories' was created with the aim of using culture as a bridge between Spain and the US, recovering little-known stories and connections that form part of a shared memory. The project is committed to collaboration between institutions to preserve and highlight this legacy, bringing it to new audiences through digital access to knowledge and helping to ensure that these stories can be discovered, understood and passed on to new generations. Recovering memory is not just about looking to the past, but also about building new connections and projecting them into the future.
To achieve this, the project is pursuing various lines of action:
- Museums and institutions: collaboration with cultural organisations to preserve and promote this heritage.
- Exhibitions: initiatives designed to bring the key figures and events to the attention of new audiences.
- Publications: research and dissemination of historical content.
- Commemorations: participation in initiatives related to this shared history.
- Digital resources: tools to facilitate access to and the dissemination of knowledge.
- Training, teaching and research: support for new approaches to the study and transmission of this history.
- Media: collaboration to broaden the reach of these initiatives.
"Knowledge of our past, based on historical events, is key to understanding the present and moving into the future"
Ignacio S. Galán
Executive Chairman of Iberdrola
Some background: the story behind the ‘Unveiling Memories’ project
US independence was not solely the result of the conflict between the Thirteen Colonies – a group of British colonies on the east coast of North America – and Great Britain. From the early years of the war, Spain played a significant role in supporting the revolutionaries, initially discreetly and from 1779 by intervening directly in the conflict.
Between 1775 and 1781, Spain allocated more than three million pesos to the American cause and provided vital resources to George Washington's army. This contribution unfolded on several fronts and was of particular importance in the south of what is now the USA, where campaigns directed from Louisiana helped to weaken British positions and secure supply routes for the rebels.
The account told in 'Unveiling Memories' reveals that Spanish involvement went far beyond financial aid. The Spanish monarchy provided weapons, money, supplies and troops while soldiers and sailors from Spain and the American territories took part in various theatres of the war.
Weapons, money and supplies for the rebels
- Before officially entering the war, Spain provided covert support to the revolutionaries. Spanish ports sent weapons, ammunition, uniforms, blankets, medicines and other supplies via New Orleans. Diego de Gardoqui, a merchant from Bilbao appointed as an unofficial intermediary with the rebels, played a prominent role in these operations and in sending resources to them.
- The Count of Aranda, the Spanish ambassador in Paris, was also involved in this aid effort, helping to coordinate the first secret shipments of arms. These supplies were particularly important in the early years of the conflict and helped to strengthen the revolutionary army.
Bernardo de Gálvez and the Mississippi Campaign
- Spain's official entry into the war in 1779 following the Treaty of Aranjuez opened a new theatre of operations. From Louisiana, its governor Bernardo de Gálvez led a campaign against British positions along the Mississippi. In successive operations he captured Manchac, Baton Rouge and Natchez and subsequently conquered La Mobile and Pensacola.
- These victories reduced the British presence in the south and secured control of a strategic area. At the same time, New Orleans became an important supply centre, from which gunpowder, weapons, uniforms, medicines and other resources were sent to the revolutionaries.
A contribution on several fronts
- Spanish intervention was not confined to North America. Spanish forces also fought the British in Gibraltar, Menorca, Central America and the Caribbean whilst the Spanish Navy took part in naval operations alongside France. In the Americas, Matías de Gálvez, Governor of Guatemala, led campaigns against British positions in the region.
- Financial support was also decisive. Cuba sent funds to help defray the costs of George Washington's army. This combination of actions – military, naval, economic and logistical – formed part of the international effort that ultimately weakened Great Britain and contributed to the outcome of the war, including the victory at Yorktown in 1781.
The support of the Spanish Crown to the American Revolution.
Key publications from the ‘Unveiling Memories’ project
The work of 'Unveiling Memories' takes the form of various initiatives aimed at researching, disseminating and facilitating access to this shared history. These include a key publication and a digital platform that expands on its content.
The book ‘Unveiling Memories’: a history to explore and share
The book Unveiling Memories: Spain and the Hispanic Contribution to US Independence brings together the work of 11 specialists in 38 articles and offers a comprehensive overview of the involvement of Spain and the Hispanic territories in American independence. Edited by José Manuel Guerrero Acosta, the volume examines the key events, figures and settings of this period and is designed as a tool for research and the dissemination of this part of our shared history.
Published in two languages (Spanish and English) and featuring carefully curated illustrations, it is reminiscent of the explanatory panels often found in museums and invites us to take a journey through the historical events – guided by a detailed chronology – to get to know the key figures and to discover the traces they left behind at the main sites of these events.
A website to continue exploring history
The project also has a digital dimension through the Unveiling Memories website, designed as a resource to expand and facilitate access to this history. Its content allows visitors to explore the key events via a timeline and learn about the most important figures and locations associated with US independence.
'Quizstory: Spanish Friendship’: an educational app
In 2022, in collaboration with the Reina Sofía Spanish Institute, we developed an educational app to introduce American students aged between 10 and 18 in an interactive and game-based way to the role of Spain and the Hispanic world in the American War of Independence.
Recent initiatives from the ‘Unveiling Memories’ project
The project has continued to expand its research and outreach work with new initiatives and collaborations aimed at keeping this historical memory alive.
Loan of a previously unknown portrait of Bernardo de Gálvez to the National Portrait Gallery (2026)
We have incorporated into the project a previously unknown portrait of Bernardo de Gálvez, acquired by Iberdrola and loaned on a long-term basis to the National Portrait Gallery in Washington.
Commemorative plaque in New York (2025)
We unveiled a plaque in New YorkExternal link, opens in new window. to mark the 240th anniversary of the founding of the city's first Catholic church, funded by Diego de Gardoqui, Spain's first ambassador to the United States.
Plaque dedicated to Fernando de Leyba in Missouri (2023)
We will unveil a plaque in St. Charles recognising Fernando de Leyba's roleExternal link, opens in new window. in the defence of St Louis during the War of Independence.
Plaque dedicated to Diego de Gardoqui in Marblehead (2023)
We unveiled a plaque at the Jeremiah Lee MansionExternal link, opens in new window. to commemorate Gardoqui's connection with the city and his support for the American revolutionaries. We also presented the book 'Unveiling Memories'.
Commemorative installation in Yorktown (2023)
We unveiled an installation dedicated to Spanish aid during the Yorktown campaignExternal link, opens in new window. , featuring an explanatory panel, a "Real de a Ocho" coin and a replica of a Spanish Army flag.
Iberdrola and the recovery of historical memory
Our commitment to culture is also reflected in the recovery, research and dissemination of heritage and historical memory. Through cultural projects, collaborations with institutions and support for research and outreach initiatives, we help to highlight the stories, key figures and connections that form part of our shared heritage.
Unveiling Memories is an example of this work: a project which, through exhibitions, publications, digital resources and collaborations with US institutions, helps to recover and bring to the public's attention a part of the shared history between Spain, the United States and the Hispanic world. A project that not only recovers documents to reconstruct historical events, but also provides accessible materials for students, teachers and the public. A commitment to culture as a tool for preserving knowledge of the past and fostering its transmission to new generations.
