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Los Del Valle

Los Del Valle

The Los del Valle Oral History Project, begun in 1993 by Manuel F. Medrano, includes edited autobiographical sketches of people from the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas and accounts of historical and cultural events that document the rich heritage of the area. The thirty volume series includes personal interviews, photographs, film clips and music that convey the uniqueness of the area not usually found in traditional sources.

The collection divides the videos into two main categories:

Volume videos (titled "Volume 01," "Volume 02," etc.) — represent published interviews. These edited documentaries feature curated interviews, performances, scholarly commentary, and thematic narratives on topics like regional history, music, and personal stories.
Items titled with "[LDV Project Archive]" — contain the unedited original interviews, raw footage, multi-part recordings, B-roll, and supplemental materials that served as the source content for the published volumes.

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[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Henry Montalvo

Manuel F. Medrano and Henry Montalvo

Interview with Henry Montalvo, who was born in San Benito, Texas. Montalvo, a World War II veteran, talks about his experience as a naval aviator in the Hawaiian Islands, and also describes his life as principal of the Brownsville District School.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Jacinto Tzab, Part 1 of 3

Manuel F. Medrano and Jacinto Tzab

Part 1 of 3 of an interview with Don Jacinto Tzab, a Mayan shaman, and his student, a professor at the University of the Americas. Tzab’s disciple says her name is Samanta Juarez at 00:05:36 minutes. Tzab discusses his role as a Mayan traditional medicine practitioner who performs a variety of roles, including leading Mayan ceremonies. Together they explain Mayan practices and the importance of preserving Mayan cultures.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Jacinto Tzab, Part 2 of 3

Manuel F. Medrano and Jacinto Tzab

Part 2 of 3 of an interview with Don Jacinto Tzab, a Mayan shaman. Don Jacinto Tzab continues to share traditional Mayan ceremonies and a communal cleaning.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Jacinto Tzab, Part 3 of 3

Manuel F. Medrano and Jacinto Tzab

Part 3 of 3 of an interview with Don Jacinto Tzab, a Mayan shaman, and his student. Tzab’s disciple says her name is Samanta Juarez at 00:05:36 minutes in part 1 of the interview.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Jacinto Tzab (Studio)

Manuel F. Medrano and Jacinto Tzab

Interview with Don Jacinto Tzab and his student, a professor at the University of the Americas. Don Jacinto Tzab desribes how he became a shaman, different rituals, and advice to younger generations to keep traditions alive and respect Mother Earth. Tzab’s disciple says her name is Samanta Juarez at 00:05:36 minutes in the Interview with Don Jacinto Tzab, Part 1 of 3 (production number 524).
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Joe Lopez of Mazz, Part 1 of 7

Manuel F. Medrano and Joe Lopez

This raw footage is part 1 of 7 of an interview with musician Joe Lopez from Brownsville, Texas. Lopez discusses his childhood, violence against migrant workers, his education, the assassination of John F. Kennedy, racism, his military career, and how he got into music.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Joe Lopez of Mazz, Part 2 of 7

Manuel F. Medrano and Joe Lopez

This raw footage is part 2 of 7 of an interview with musician Joe Lopez. Lopez discusses his childhood, violence against migrant workers, his education, the assassination of John F. Kennedy, racism, his military career, and how he got into music. This was filmed simultaneously with part one, but the camera is focused on Dr. Manuel Medrano.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Joe Lopez of Mazz, Part 3 of 7

Manuel F. Medrano and Joe Lopez

This raw footage is part 3 of 7 of an interview with musician Joe Lopez. In this interview, Lopez discusses how he created his musical sound, the formation of his band Mazz, bringing Tejano music to wider audiences, the changing music industry, education, his thoughts on the term \Tejano,\ his touring routine, and is favorite part of performing.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Joe Lopez of Mazz, Part 4 of 7

Manuel F. Medrano and Joe Lopez

This raw footage is part 4 of 7 of an interview with musician Joe Lopez. In this interview, Lopez discusses how he created his musical sound, the formation of his band Mazz, bringing Tejano music to wider audiences, the changing music industry, education, his thoughts on the term \Tejano,\ his touring routine, and is favorite part of performing. This was filmed simultaneously with part three, but the camera is focused on Dr. Manuel Medrano.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Joe Lopez of Mazz, Part 5 of 7

Manuel F. Medrano and Joe Lopez

This raw footage is part 5 of 7 of an interview with musician Joe Lopez. In this interview, Lopez discusses other Tejano musicians, such as Lydia Mendoza and Selena Quintanilla Perez, the future of Joe Lopez and Mazz, fame, being a role model, the reception of his music in Mexico, his musical inspirations, and his advice for the Mexican American community.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Joe Lopez of Mazz, Part 6 of 7

Manuel F. Medrano and Joe Lopez

This raw footage is part 6 of 7 of an interview with musician Joe Lopez. In this interview, Lopez discusses other Tejano musicians, such as Lydia Mendoza and Selena Quintanilla Perez, the future of Joe Lopez and Mazz, fame, being a role model, the reception of his music in Mexico, his musical inspirations, and his advice for the Mexican American community. This was filmed simultaneously with part five, but the camera is focused on Dr. Medrano Manuel.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Joe Lopez of Mazz, Part 7 of 7

Manuel F. Medrano and Joe Lopez

This raw footage is part 7 of 7 of an interview with musician Joe Lopez. Dr. Medrano asks Lopez what makes him laugh, cry, and think and about his sense of humor.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with José Angel Gutiérrez, Part 1 of 2

Manuel F. Medrano and Jose Angel Gutierrez

Part 1 of 2 of an oral history with Dr. José Ángel Gutiérrez. Dr. Gutiérrez discusses his family history, his bilingual education, his work towards racial integration, his struggles to pay for higher education, the founding of the Mexican American Youth Organization (MAYO), Chicano activism, the Vietnam War, school walkouts, and La Raza Unida Party (RUP). Part 2 of 2 is not available.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with José M. López, 2001, Part 1 of 2

Manuel F. Medrano and Jose Mendoza Lopez

This raw footage is part one of an interview with Sergeant José M. López. In this interview, López discusses growing up in Southern Texas, working on ships in California, his wife, his experiences in the European Theater of World War II, receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor, returning to Texas after World War II, his time in the Korean War, his children, the importance of education, and meeting various presidents.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with José M. López, 2001, Part 2 of 2

Manuel F. Medrano and Jose Mendoza Lopez

This raw footage is part two of an interview with Sergeant José M. López. In this interview, López discusses his relationship with other Latinos in the army, the importance of honoring veterans, his memories of Brownsville, Texas, being drafted, and receiving the Águila Azteca award. At 42:35, the footage switches to edit footage of a Texas Southmost Union College District Board of Trustees' meeting to name newly purchased buildings.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with José M. López, Part 1 of 4

Manuel F. Medrano and Jose Mendoza Lopez

Part 1 of 4 of an interview with José Mendoza López a World War II veteran, who talks about his family history. López recalls his memories about his service in World War II.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with José M. López, Part 2 of 4

Manuel F. Medrano and Jose Mendoza Lopez

Part 2 of 4 of an interview with José Mendoza López, a World War II veteran, who talks about his memories about his service in World War II in Belgium. López talks about his daughters.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with José M. López, Part 3 of 4

Manuel F. Medrano and Jose Mendoza Lopez

Part 3 of 4, interview with José M. López, a World War II veteran, who talks about his memories of Charro Days in Brownsville. An interview with Maggie Whitweir, López's daughter, who talks about his life's legacy. An interview with López's granddaughter, who talks about the influence of her grandfather in her life.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with José M. López, Part 4 of 4

Manuel F. Medrano and Jose Mendoza Lopez

Part 4 of 4 of an interview with José Mendoza López, a World War II veteran, who talks about his memories of Charro Days in Brownsville. An interview with Maggie Whitweir, López's daughter, who talks about his life's legacy. An interview with López's granddaughter, who talks about the influence of her grandfather in her life.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with José M. López, Parts 1 and 2

Manuel F. Medrano and Jose Mendoza Lopez

An interview with José Mendoza López, a World War II veteran, who talks about his family history. López recalls his memories about his service in World War II.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with José M. López, Parts 3 and 4

Manuel F. Medrano, Jose Mendoza Lopez, and Maggie Whitweir

A continuing interview with José Mendoza López, a World War II veteran, who talks about his memories of the Pearl Harbor attack. López shares stories about Germany with his family. Maggie Whitweir, López's daughter, talks about his life's legacy. López's granddaughter talks about the influence of her grandfather in her life.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Juliet V. García about Barbara Warburton

Manuel F. Medrano and Juliet V. Garcia

An interview with Dr. Juliet V. García, president of the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College, who talks about her recollections of Barbara Warburton. Dr. García describes the high standards in education that Warburton set for herself and instilled in others.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Juliet V. Garcia and Photographs

Manuel F. Medrano and Juliet Garcia

Compilation: Interview with Dr. Juliet García, the first Mexican American woman to become president of a college or university in the United States. Dr. García talks about being president of The University of Texas at Brownsville. Also includes a speech by Dr. García at the opening of Dr. Juliet García Middle School in Brownsville, and an interview of Dr. García and the principal after her speech.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Larry Löf

Manuel F. Medrano and Lawrence Victor Lof

An interview with Larry Löf, one of Barbara Warburton's former students, who talks about his recollections of Warburton. Löf explains the importance of Rancho del Cielo (biological research station) for the people of Brownsville.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Lenoir Rentfro, Episcopal Day School

Manuel F. Medrano and Lenora Going Rentfro

Lenoir Rentfro, born in Port Aransas, talks about her involvement as director of the Episcopal Day School. Rentfro describes the teachers' commitment and the role of the Episcopal Day School in Brownsville.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Leta Mallett, Episcopal Day School

Manuel F. Medrano and Leta Mallet

Compilation includes indoor and outdoor footage of the Episcopal Day School chapel. Leta Mallet talks about her experience as director of the school.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Lorenzo Paredes

Manuel F. Medrano and Lorenzo Paredes

This raw footage is an interview with Dr. Américo Paredes' brother, Lorenzo Paredes. Paredes talks about Américo and his other brothers, as he and Dr. Manuel F. Medrano look through a photo album and a book of poetry. Paredes also discusses his life, education, and work in Brownsville, Texas. The interview finishes with Paredes talking about his family history.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Lorenzo Paredes, Part 1 of 2

Manuel F. Medrano and Lorenzo Paredes

Part 1 of 2 of an oral history with Lorenzo Paredes recalling stories and his relationship with his brother, Dr. Américo Paredes.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Lorenzo Paredes, Part 2 of 2

Manuel F. Medrano and Lorenzo Paredes

Part 2 of 2 of an oral history with Lorenzo Paredes recalling stories and his relationship with his brother, Dr. Américo Paredes.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Manuel Medrano about Los Del Valle, Part 2 of 2

Manuel F. Medrano

Part 2 of 2. An interview with Dr. Manuel Medrano who talks about the meaning of Los del Valle Project. Dr. Medrano shares the importance of collecting family history. Part 1 of 2 is not available.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Manuel Medrano and additional footage

Manuel F. Medrano and Mike Gonzalez

Compilation of interviews with Dr. Manuel Medrano. Dr. Medrano talks about the objectives and significance of the Los del Valle Oral History project. He reflects on the interviewees involved, experience writing poetry, and doing poetry/story readings for children. Includes footage of Dr. Medrano's class at the university and reading his bilingual poetry to children at El Jardin school. Second part of an interview with Dr. Medrano and his mother who talk about their life.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Maricela Flores

Manuel F. Medrano and Maricela Flores

Raw footage of Maricela Flores, as she discusses her life, goals, and achievements. Flores graduated from Harlingen High School and was recruited to attend Southern Methodist University. After graduating from Southern Methodist University, she worked for the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington D.C. Flores went on to pursue a fellowship in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Mario E. Ramírez

Manuel F. Medrano, Mario E. Ramirez, and Letty Fernandez

This raw footage is an interview with Dr. Mario Ramírez about his new position as the Vice President for the South Texas Border Initiatives for the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio. Dr. Ramírez speaks about his hopes for the future of higher education and health sciences in South Texas.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Mario Ramírez (Edited Master), Part 1 of 2

Manuel F. Medrano, Letty Fernandez, and Mario Ramirez

This edited production video consists of an interview with Dr. Mario Ramírez, Vice President for the South Texas Border Initiatives for the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio. It is a summary of Dr. Ramírez's career as well as his goals for the health science programs at the Brownsville and Edinburg campuses.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Mario Ramírez (Edited Master), Part 2 of 2

Manuel F. Medrano, Letty Fernandez, and Mario Ramirez

This edited production video consists of an interview with Dr. Mario Ramírez, Vice President for the South Texas Border Initiatives for the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio. It is a summary of Dr. Ramírez's career as well as his goals for the health science programs at the Brownsville and Edinburg campuses.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Martha Warburton

Manuel F. Medrano and Martha Warburton

An interview with Martha Warburton, a minister's daughter, who talks about her relationship with her mother-in-law, Barbara Warburton. Martha mentions Barbara’s role in creating Rancho del Cielo, a biological research station in northern Mexico. Footage of Barbara Warburton's study bible with a focus on highlighted passages.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Maura Gonzalez Lopez, Part 1 of 4

Manuel F. Medrano and Maura Gonzalez Lopez

Part 1 of 4 of Maura Gonzalez Lopez's oral history. Gonzalez recalls details of her family, the Mexican Revolution, her marriage, migrating to the United States in 1920, the 1932/1933/1934 hurricanes, and her daily routines.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Maura Gonzalez Lopez, Part 2 of 4

Manuel F. Medrano and Maura Gonzalez Lopez

Part 2 of 4 of Maura Gonzalez Lopez's oral history. Gonzalez recalls the impacts of World War II, such as her son being drafted, becoming a citizen, friendships, and shares advice on how to live a long and happy life.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Maura Gonzalez Lopez, Part 3 of 4

Manuel F. Medrano and Maura Gonzalez Lopez

Part 3 of 4 of Maura Gonzalez Lopez's oral history. Gonzalez recalls 1964/1967 hurricanes, seeing a car for the first time, what she did in her free time, and her favorite recipes.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Maura Gonzalez Lopez, Part 4 of 4

Manuel F. Medrano and Maura Gonzalez Lopez

Part 4 or 4 of Maura Gonzalez Lopez's oral history. Gonzalez recalls recipes and how she wishes to be remembered.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Narciso Martinez: El Huracan Del Valle, Part 1 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano and Narciso Martinez

Part 1 of 5 of Narciso Martínez oral history. Martínez, nicknamed \El Huracan del Valle\, recalls when he started playing the accordion, his parents, the difficulties of getting an education, growing up with 7 other siblings, and his marriage. He also remembers growing up in Brownsville, Texas and starting his musical career.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Narciso Martinez: El Huracan Del Valle, Part 2 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano and Narciso Martinez

Part 2 of 5 of Narciso Martínez oral history. Martínez shares his experience performing, changes he has observed in music, other artists, his future plans, and his wishes for future musicians.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Narciso Martinez: El Huracan Del Valle, Part 3 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano, Narciso Martinez, and Edwina Martinez

Part 3 of 5 of Narcisco Martínez oral history. Martínez performs a selection of songs and shares his experience performing in other states. Martínez's wife, Edwina Martínez, joins the interview.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Narciso Martinez: El Huracan Del Valle, Part 4 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano, Narciso Martinez, and Edwina Martinez

Part 4 of 5 of Narcisco Martínez oral history. Martínez continues to share his memories of performing in other states, his education, and his marriage with Edwina. Edwina remembers how she spent her time when Martínez was on tour. The couple also discuss their favorite home-cooked meals and share memories of the photographs in their home.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Narciso Martinez: El Huracan Del Valle, Part 5 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano and Narciso Martinez

Part 5 of 5 of Narciso Martínez oral history. Martínez continues to share stories about the photographs in their home and talks about the discrimination he faced. The interview finishes with a tour of Narciso's home and introducing his grandson, Mark.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Narciso Martínez, Part 1 of 3

Manuel F. Medrano and Narciso Martinez

A video honoring Narciso Martínez, son of Anastacio and Cenovia Martínez, who was born in Reynosa, Tamaulipas. Martínez, a musician known as \El Huracán del Valle\, talks about his career and the origin of his musician moniker. Martínez plays music using his accordion. Other interviewees include Américo Paredes, Sabino Salinas, Rogelio Nuñez, and Oscar Hernandez.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Narciso Martínez, Part 2 of 3

Manuel F. Medrano, Narciso Martinez, Americo Paredes, Sabino Salinas, Rogelio Nuñez, and Oscar Hernandez

A video honoring Narciso Martínez, son of Anastacio and Cenovia Martínez, who was born in Reynosa, Tamaulipas. Martínez, a musician known as \El Huracán del Valle\, talks about his career and the origin of his musician moniker. Martínez plays music using his accordion. Other interviewees include Américo Paredes, Sabino Salinas, Rogelio Nuñez, and Oscar Hernandez.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Narciso Martínez, Part 3 of 3

Manuel F. Medrano, Narciso Martinez, Americo Paredes, Sabino Salinas, Rogelio Nuñez, and Oscar Hernandez

A video honoring Narciso Martínez, son of Anastacio and Cenovia Martínez, who was born in Reynosa, Tamaulipas. Martínez, a musician known as \El Huracán del Valle\, talks about his career and the origin of his musician moniker. Martínez plays music using his accordion. Other interviewees include Américo Paredes, Sabino Salinas, Rogelio Nuñez, and Oscar Hernandez.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Olga Lozano

Manuel F. Medrano and Olga Lozano

Original, unedited, video of Olga Lozano, born in Harlingen, Texas, who talks about her family as pioneers of Harlingen. Lozano describes pursuing a career in pharmacy, a career with not a lot of women when she started. Lozano worked at a drug store in San Benito, Texas, and later she worked at the Valley Baptist Hospital Pharmacy at Brownsville for twenty-nine years. She recounts the good and difficult days working as pharmacist at the Valley Baptist Hospital at Brownsville.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Olga Lozano, Frontera Pharmacist

Manuel F. Medrano, Olga Lozano, Amy Frazier, Johnny Aguilar, Robert Autrey, and Melinda Slovak

Profile about Olga Lozano, the first Hispanic female pharmacist in the Rio Grande Valley area. Lozano was born in Harlingen, Texas, where her family were pioneers. Lozano describes pursuing a career in pharmacy, a career with not a lot of women at the time, experiences at the University of Texas at Austin. Lozano worked at a drug store in San Benito, Texas, and later she worked at the Valley Baptist Hospital Pharmacy in Brownsville for twenty-nine years (1957-1986). She recounts the good and difficult days working as pharmacist at the Valley Baptist Hospital in Brownsville. Other interviewees include Robert Autrey and Melinda Slovak.