CUNY Dominican Studies Institute

Started by its current and founding Chief Librarian Sarah Aponte; with collections donated by the members of the Council of Dominican Educators. It opened officially in April 1994 with an outreach and request for donations from the academic community, community organizations, and individuals whose writings, research, or public activism dealt, directly or indirectly, with Dominicans in the United States. The regular donations have enabled the Library to grow systematically, becoming the largest specialized collection of Dominicans in the United States.

The Library is widely consulted by local, national, and international researchers, writers, journalists, artists, students, teachers, community based organizations and government agencies interested in Dominican issues in the United States.

Access to resources and services at the CUNY DSI Library is available to CUNY and non-CUNY academics, educators, students (undergraduate, graduate and K-12), journalists, artists, and other community members interested in Dominican studies. A valid government issued identification card is required to enter the building and access the Library. Users can also access CUNY DSI research publications online by clicking here and the Dominican Studies Research LibGuide by clicking here.

Ultimate responsibility for material selection rests with the CUNY DSI Librarians. CUNY staff and faculty are also encouraged to suggest materials. In addition, the Library welcomes patrons’ suggestions, comments, and ideas about the collection and its development. These suggestions will be subject to this Collection Development Policy.

The CUNY DSI Library acquires materials that specifically deal with Dominican issues. The areas of collection include, but are not limited to, migration, Dominicans in the United States, language, literature, history, economics, politics, sports, and performance and visual arts. The format of the materials collected range from books, newspaper articles, magazines, journals, audiovisuals, unpublished dissertations and master’s theses, manuscripts, official documents, and declassified U.S. government documents.

In order to keep the collection vibrant and useful, an active and continuing program of selection for withdrawal, or weeding, is maintained. Weeding is conducted to identify damaged items, materials that are out-of-date or no longer used, and duplicates. Withdrawn materials that are in good condition may be placed in the book sale.

We gratefully acknowledge the individuals listed below for their generous donations of books and other materials to the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute Library. 

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this listing. Please contact the Library at 212.650.7170, or by e-mail to jortiz2@ccny.cuny.edu , if there are any errors or omissions, or if you would like to contribute to the collection.

Download full list of donors here.

Each workshop lasts approximately one hour and thirty minutes and may include a PowerPoint presentation, viewing of audio video clips that showcase aspects of Dominican culture and history, and many hands-on activities during which visitors can voice their interest areas.

We have developed a sustained relationship with schools with special structured programs such as: Bridge to College (for 8th graders) and Immersion Summer Institute (for 7th graders), as well as our lecture or Show & Tell presentations. We are bringing the joys and challenges of research and materials to those without too much experience, or any at all, in academia.

From July 8-18, 2024, the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute organized and presented, in collaboration with the New York City Public School Division of Multilingual Learners, the first Summer Institute for K-12 Teachers: Exploring Dominican Heritage in America. Thirty K-12 teachers from the New York City Department of Education, who were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants and work in New York City public schools with students of Dominican heritage and other multilingual students interested in learning about Dominican culture and history in the United States, participated.

The Dominican Archives was established in 2002 as a repository of original source materials that document the experience and contributions of the Dominican population in the United States. Initial funding for the establishment of the Dominican Archives was provided by the New York State Archives Documentary Heritage Program (DHP). The DHP grant made it possible for the Institute to hire renowned archivist Idilio Gracia Peña as an archives consultant to prepare a feasibility study and action plan to establish the archives; conduct a survey of Dominican organizations and civic leaders to uncover extant archival materials generated by the New York Dominican population; and to accession, preserve and make available such materials. Mr. Gracia Peña, a professional archivist with over 50 years of experience in archives, library and records management, was subsequently appointed Chief Archivist of the Dominican Archives. In 2007, the Dominican Studies Institute was awarded the Debra E. Bernhardt Annual Archives Award, for Excellence in Documenting New York’s History, by the Board of Regents and The New York State Archives.

Sed accumsan sit amet turpis in posuere. Aliquam imperdiet tincidunt bibendum. Aliquam feugiat tortor ut magna auctor, sed pulvinar turpis lobortis. Vivamus molestie, nisi quis tempor placerat, risus felis auctor leo, congue aliquet mauris ligula in nibh. Vestibulum ut viverra ligula. Ut in lacus at mi vehicula egestas. Fusce vel risus tellus. Donec consectetur felis vel diam vulputate tristique. Duis quis velit enim. Maecenas nec ex id enim maximus lacinia. In a varius est. Nulla ultrices consectetur nibh, eu facilisis urna hendrerit vitae.

The Dominican Archives functions according to a universal archives collection policy that proclaims the archival validity of all records that document the experience and contributions of the Dominican population, rather than endorsing a view that proposes the collection and preservation only of records of individuals or organizations. The Archives will acquire materials in any available format including, but not limited to, paper records, microfilm, and electronically-produced and maintained collections of historical significance, including online information, relating to the United States Dominican population.

The Dominican Archives will accept archival materials as donations, which will include the total transfer of ownership or title of all materials donated to the Archives voluntarily and gratuitously without regard to any monetary or other considerations, and to take complete control of the archival materials without future revocation. In addition, the location, retention, processing, preservation and use of the archival materials, or disposition (including return of non-archival materials or destruction in case of donor’s refusal to re-accept) are at the discretion of the Archives in accordance with its policies and procedures. Donations of archival materials to the Archives are to be made through a Deed of Gift Form between the Archives and the donor signed and duplicated by both parties, indicating the offer and acceptance of the materials.

The Dominican Archives seeks donations of archival materials to document the experience and contributions of the Dominican population in the United States. The Archives is looking for all types of archival materials, including correspondence relating to immigration or political, social, and educational activities; family history and community events; minutes of social organizations and civic, political or business groups; photographs of storefronts and street scenes; community activities; and family events such as family outings, communions, baptisms, marriages, newspaper clippings related to personal activities, organizations or business events; publications including newspapers, magazines or pamphlets; and any other materials generated by Dominican organizations and individuals in connection with their lives and activities that have historical, research or other value to warrant their permanent preservation.

Therefore, the accession policy of the Dominican Archives is to gather all available archival materials that document the experience and contributions of all segments of the United States Dominican community including political, social and educational activities; family history; community events; social organizations, civic, political or business groups and community leaders. The archives will collect relevant archival materials in any available format that have historical, research, cultural or other important value.

Sed accumsan sit amet turpis in posuere. Aliquam imperdiet tincidunt bibendum. Aliquam feugiat tortor ut magna auctor, sed pulvinar turpis lobortis. Vivamus molestie, nisi quis tempor placerat, risus felis auctor leo, congue aliquet mauris ligula in nibh. Vestibulum ut viverra ligula. Ut in lacus at mi vehicula egestas. Fusce vel risus tellus. Donec consectetur felis vel diam vulputate tristique. Duis quis velit enim. Maecenas nec ex id enim maximus lacinia. In a varius est. Nulla ultrices consectetur nibh, eu facilisis urna hendrerit vitae.

The Dominican Archives functions according to a universal archives collection policy that proclaims the archival validity of all records that document the experience and contributions of the Dominican population, rather than endorsing a view that proposes the collection and preservation only of records of individuals or organizations. The Archives will acquire materials in any available format including, but not limited to, paper records, microfilm, and electronically-produced and maintained collections of historical significance, including online information, relating to the United States Dominican population.

The Dominican Archives will accept archival materials as donations, which will include the total transfer of ownership or title of all materials donated to the Archives voluntarily and gratuitously without regard to any monetary or other considerations, and to take complete control of the archival materials without future revocation. In addition, the location, retention, processing, preservation and use of the archival materials, or disposition (including return of non-archival materials or destruction in case of donor’s refusal to re-accept) are at the discretion of the Archives in accordance with its policies and procedures. Donations of archival materials to the Archives are to be made through a Deed of Gift Form between the Archives and the donor signed and duplicated by both parties, indicating the offer and acceptance of the materials.

The Dominican Archives seeks donations of archival materials to document the experience and contributions of the Dominican population in the United States. The Archives is looking for all types of archival materials, including correspondence relating to immigration or political, social, and educational activities; family history and community events; minutes of social organizations and civic, political or business groups; photographs of storefronts and street scenes; community activities; and family events such as family outings, communions, baptisms, marriages, newspaper clippings related to personal activities, organizations or business events; publications including newspapers, magazines or pamphlets; and any other materials generated by Dominican organizations and individuals in connection with their lives and activities that have historical, research or other value to warrant their permanent preservation.

Therefore, the accession policy of the Dominican Archives is to gather all available archival materials that document the experience and contributions of all segments of the United States Dominican community including political, social and educational activities; family history; community events; social organizations, civic, political or business groups and community leaders. The archives will collect relevant archival materials in any available format that have historical, research, cultural or other important value.

It is the policy of the Dominican Archives to provide unrestricted access to all archival materials in its possession to researchers, educators, students, historians, policymakers, the general public and others who have a need to use the Archives. To obtain access to archival materials, the prospective user must fill out a Request for Access to Archival Materials Form or send a letter or email in advance to the Chief Archivist stating the scope and purpose of the research project and the type of archival materials needed. Although the Dominican Archives acknowledges its responsibility to provide unrestricted access to historical records under its care, it will, under certain circumstances, limit access, delay research availability, or place other restrictions on its archival collections when it deems necessary to assure the integrity, confidentiality, and security of the records. Restrictions apply only to specific records or collections and may include the viewing, transcription, reproduction, publishing, or other use of the restricted records. Request for access to restricted materials will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. To obtain access to restricted archival materials, the prospective user will be required to fill out a Request for Access to Restricted Archival Materials Form and provide written proof of legitimate research or genealogical need to access restricted records, and to agree to abide by all federal, state and local laws, rules, or regulations governing the use of restricted archival materials. Access to the Dominican Archives collections is provided in the Archives and Library multi-use research and reference area.

All applications must be sent via email. To apply, please send a letter of intent, a CV, and a brief project proposal (for graduate internships only) to:

Jessy J Perez-Camilo, Archivist
CUNY Dominican Studies Institute Archives
jperez2@ccny.cuny.edu

Our internship calendar is divided into three academic year cycles: spring, summer, and fall. We accept applications for the Archives Internship Programs on these periods:

Spring: January-May (application deadline: November 1)
Summer: June-August (application deadline: January 30)
Fall: September-December (application deadline: June 1)
We do not accept applications that are sent after the above deadlines.
Applicants will be notified by email of the decision.

Sed accumsan sit amet turpis in posuere. Aliquam imperdiet tincidunt bibendum. Aliquam feugiat tortor ut magna auctor, sed pulvinar turpis lobortis. Vivamus molestie, nisi quis tempor placerat, risus felis auctor leo, congue aliquet mauris ligula in nibh. Vestibulum ut viverra ligula. Ut in lacus at mi vehicula egestas. Fusce vel risus tellus. Donec consectetur felis vel diam vulputate tristique. Duis quis velit enim. Maecenas nec ex id enim maximus lacinia. In a varius est. Nulla ultrices consectetur nibh, eu facilisis urna hendrerit vitae.

The Archives Middle School Internship Program accepts applications from middle schools students who are interested in learning about the preservation of archival materials and the use of primary source material for research. The program is supplemented by a limited mentoring program which provides participants with information about high school readiness admission requirements, entrance exams; and professional careers. Interns acquire invaluable work experience that is not easily available at other workplaces. The Dominican Archives host high school interns during the summer and academic year with some success. Middle School interns are required to write and submit a short essay describing their work and learning experiences acquired during the internship at the end of their stay.
The Dominican Archives will accept archival materials as donations, which will include the total transfer of ownership or title of all materials donated to the Archives voluntarily and gratuitously without regard to any monetary or other considerations, and to take complete control of the archival materials without future revocation. In addition, the location, retention, processing, preservation and use of the archival materials, or disposition (including return of non-archival materials or destruction in case of donor’s refusal to re-accept) are at the discretion of the Archives in accordance with its policies and procedures. Donations of archival materials to the Archives are to be made through a Deed of Gift Form between the Archives and the donor signed and duplicated by both parties, indicating the offer and acceptance of the materials.

The Dominican Archives seeks donations of archival materials to document the experience and contributions of the Dominican population in the United States. The Archives is looking for all types of archival materials, including correspondence relating to immigration or political, social, and educational activities; family history and community events; minutes of social organizations and civic, political or business groups; photographs of storefronts and street scenes; community activities; and family events such as family outings, communions, baptisms, marriages, newspaper clippings related to personal activities, organizations or business events; publications including newspapers, magazines or pamphlets; and any other materials generated by Dominican organizations and individuals in connection with their lives and activities that have historical, research or other value to warrant their permanent preservation.

Therefore, the accession policy of the Dominican Archives is to gather all available archival materials that document the experience and contributions of all segments of the United States Dominican community including political, social and educational activities; family history; community events; social organizations, civic, political or business groups and community leaders. The archives will collect relevant archival materials in any available format that have historical, research, cultural or other important value.

Sed accumsan sit amet turpis in posuere. Aliquam imperdiet tincidunt bibendum. Aliquam feugiat tortor ut magna auctor, sed pulvinar turpis lobortis. Vivamus molestie, nisi quis tempor placerat, risus felis auctor leo, congue aliquet mauris ligula in nibh. Vestibulum ut viverra ligula. Ut in lacus at mi vehicula egestas. Fusce vel risus tellus. Donec consectetur felis vel diam vulputate tristique. Duis quis velit enim. Maecenas nec ex id enim maximus lacinia. In a varius est. Nulla ultrices consectetur nibh, eu facilisis urna hendrerit vitae.

The High School Internship Program accepts applications from High Schools students who are interested in learning about the preservation of archival materials and the use of primary source material for research. The program is supplemented by a limited mentoring program which provides participants with information about college readiness such as college admission requirements, entrance exams, college essays, scholarship opportunities; available financial aid as well as professional careers. Interns acquire invaluable work experience that is not easily available at other workplaces. The Dominican Archives has hosted high school interns during the summer and academic year with some success. High School interns are required to write and submit a short essay describing their work and learning experiences related to the internship at the end of their stay.

The Dominican Archives will accept archival materials as donations, which will include the total transfer of ownership or title of all materials donated to the Archives voluntarily and gratuitously without regard to any monetary or other considerations, and to take complete control of the archival materials without future revocation. In addition, the location, retention, processing, preservation and use of the archival materials, or disposition (including return of non-archival materials or destruction in case of donor’s refusal to re-accept) are at the discretion of the Archives in accordance with its policies and procedures. Donations of archival materials to the Archives are to be made through a Deed of Gift Form between the Archives and the donor signed and duplicated by both parties, indicating the offer and acceptance of the materials.

The Dominican Archives seeks donations of archival materials to document the experience and contributions of the Dominican population in the United States. The Archives is looking for all types of archival materials, including correspondence relating to immigration or political, social, and educational activities; family history and community events; minutes of social organizations and civic, political or business groups; photographs of storefronts and street scenes; community activities; and family events such as family outings, communions, baptisms, marriages, newspaper clippings related to personal activities, organizations or business events; publications including newspapers, magazines or pamphlets; and any other materials generated by Dominican organizations and individuals in connection with their lives and activities that have historical, research or other value to warrant their permanent preservation.

Therefore, the accession policy of the Dominican Archives is to gather all available archival materials that document the experience and contributions of all segments of the United States Dominican community including political, social and educational activities; family history; community events; social organizations, civic, political or business groups and community leaders. The archives will collect relevant archival materials in any available format that have historical, research, cultural or other important value.

The Undergraduate Internship Program operates on a year-round basis. Candidates for this program are selected from The City College of New York federal Work-Study Program; volunteers and college assistants; and from other colleges and universities undergraduate programs. The internship program includes a mentoring component consisting of providing information pertinent to their field of study; information about the availability of scholarships and fellowships; professional development; job-readiness skills; employment opportunities, the job interviewing process and recommendations for graduate school and employment. They are also encouraged to use primary source materials from the Dominican Archives or other local archival institutions for their college papers or assignments. 

The Archives Graduate School Internship Program recruits candidates from library and information science graduate schools that have a concentration in archives studies or records management concentration. Graduate archives students have the opportunity to combine their academic education with practical archival experience provided by the Chief Archivist who is a highly experienced archives professional. The graduate interns share the recent developments in the archival profession with other interns and archives staff. Graduate interns may receive college credits for their internship at the Dominican Archives depending on their institutional internships programs.

The internship programs are supplemented by a limited mentoring program which provides participants with information about college readiness such as college admission requirements, entrance exams, college essays, scholarships opportunities; available financial aid as well professional careers. Interns acquire invaluable work experience that is not easily available at other workplaces. However, the mentoring program depends on the limited time available of the Mentor and interest of the mentee.

May 22-September 10, 2015

This is a groundbreaking exhibit featuring manuscripts about one of the earliest ancestral groups of Dominicans who trace their origins to black Africans. This exhibit is the first product of a long-term research project undertaken by CUNY DSI, which documents the arrival and lives of the first black Africans in the New World: First Blacks in the Americas.” This exhibit presents images of manuscripts whose originals are currently held at the Archivo General de Indias in Seville, Spain. The manuscripts are accompanied by their paleographic transcriptions and English translations, as well as by contextual historical comments that help readers better understand their content and what the manuscripts say about the earliest Black inhabitants in the Americas. The material and visual production of this exhibit would not have been possible without the generous funding provided by grants from the CUNY Diversity Projects Development Fund and the New York Council for the Humanities.

Sed accumsan sit amet turpis in posuere. Aliquam imperdiet tincidunt bibendum. Aliquam feugiat tortor ut magna auctor, sed pulvinar turpis lobortis. Vivamus molestie, nisi quis tempor placerat, risus felis auctor leo, congue aliquet mauris ligula in nibh. Vestibulum ut viverra ligula. Ut in lacus at mi vehicula egestas. Fusce vel risus tellus. Donec consectetur felis vel diam vulputate tristique. Duis quis velit enim. Maecenas nec ex id enim maximus lacinia. In a varius est. Nulla ultrices consectetur nibh, eu facilisis urna hendrerit vitae.

October 29-November 11, 2015

This is a pioneering exhibit about courage, valor, and commitment. It consists of twelve panels, in which photographs, documents, correspondence, newspaper articles, and short biographies tell the stories of Dominicans that served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II (WWII). Nine of the twelve panels highlight a series of individual veterans through biographical sketches, providing details about their arrival in the United States, involvement in the war, and post-war experiences. And for many, the end of the war meant risking their lives once again to fight for the ideals of freedom and democracy by trying to overthrow Rafael L. Trujillo, whose rule over the Dominican Republic was one of the strongest and bloodiest dictatorships in Latin America and the Caribbean. Images of this particular post-war struggle are captured in one of the panels. A final panel includes all the names of the Dominican WWII veterans uncovered by our research as a way to remember them and to encourage others to further continue this research and bring their stories to life. In the end, the twelve panels showcase Dominican WWII veterans’ long-lasting contribution to humanity and their example of steadfast hope and decisive action. Click here for the JSTOR Open Collections Site.

February 15-March 27, 2013
The exhibit consists of documents, photographs, musical scores, and paintings from the Dominican Archives collections that highlight the careers of musician Rafael Petitón Guzmán (1894-1983) and painter Tito Enrique Cánepa (1916-2014). Both were enormously influential in their chosen professions, contributing to the development of new hybrid artistic forms that combine traditional and modern elements and incorporate styles from different cultures. Cánepa used his art to express political themes, chiefly his opposition to tyranny and imperialism, while Petitón Guzmán used eclecticism and formal innovation as the vehicle of his revolt. The archival collections of both artists provide a remarkable glimpse of early twentieth-century cultural history of Dominicans and Latinos in New York City. The CUNY Dominican Studies Institute launched a trilogy in 2021 celebrating the brilliant Dominican composer, maestro Rafael Petitón Guzmán. Click here to read the press release.

Library Artstor

May 17-August 17, 2013

This al fresco exhibition is based on a selection of photographs by Mariano Hernández and Pedro Genaro, from a book with the same title by renowned folklorist Dagoberto Tejeda Ortiz. The book Identity and Magic (VICNI 2012) captures the history and the stories of the Dominican Republic’s folkloric dances through masterly and majestic photographs, engaging and vivid illustrations, and a corresponding documentary. The photo exhibit enables the viewer to follow in detail the historical trajectory and appreciate the richness of the folkloric dances that are part of the cultural heritage of the Dominican people. It was on view on the City College of New York Amsterdam Plaza.

Opening Reception photos.

September 2013–February 2014

This exhibit highlights the work of two young Dominican immigrant artists living in New York and the Dominican Republic: Julianny Ariza and Leslie Jiménez. It showcases original pieces produced between 2011 and 2012 that explore the subject of living in between, in two worlds, and other conditions of living.

Condition: My Place Our Longing / Condición: Mi Lugar Nuestro Anhelo

May 9-September 14, 2014

This exhibit is based on a selection of photographs from a book with the same title written by renowned economist Carlos Despradel. The book (VICINI, 2013) reveals the Dominican Republic’s agricultural diversity and promote interest in agriculture in the country. This work offers an overview of the Cibao Valley, the eastern region’s expansive savannas, the climate of the South and the valleys of Constanza and Jarabacoa, among other areas.

October 4-December 14, 2012

This exhibit featured selected images from the collector’s edition book Taino: Joyas del arte taino. Jewels of Taino Art (VICINI 2011) with photos by Victor Siladi and Nemanja Brankovic of outstanding pieces of Taino culture from various private and public collections in the Dominican Republic. The Exhibit provides a unique opportunity to view photographs of Taino artifacts that captures various aspects of life in Taino society. The exhibit travelled to the Center for Worker Education (City College’s downtown campus) and Nre Jersey’s Clifton Public Library. The photo exhibit was organized by the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute Library, and photographers and producers Victor Siladi and Nemanja Brankovic, under the auspices of Grupo VICINI and with the support of the organizers of Semana Dominicana/Dominican Week 2012. 

May 27-July 31, 2011

A photographic exploration of the country’s cultural and natural beauty through the portrait and landscape photography of Katherine Taylor.

September-October 2011

This al fresco exhibit featured aerial images of natural and historic places from the Dominican Republic inspired by the book New Perspectives: Dominican Republic. The images show the Dominican Republic, as it had never been seen before and featured an array of original aerial photographs of landscapes, people and situations that go far beyond the typical images associated with the country and portrays the diversity and beauty the country emanates.

 Opening Reception Photos.

October-December 2010

The 12 prints featured in Manifestaciones are the work of the artists of Dominican York Proyecto GRAFICA (DYPG) led by Pepe Coronado, and were shown for the first time at the inauguration of the CUNY DSI Art Gallery. This unique exhibition is of artistic and historic importance as noted by art historians E. Carmen Ramos and Graciela Kartofel in curatorial essays they contributed to the catalog. Although active and productive in documenting their immigrant experience, Dominican artists have generally worked without institutional support.

October-December 2010

The 12 prints featured in Manifestaciones are the work of the artists of Dominican York Proyecto GRAFICA (DYPG) led by Pepe Coronado, and were shown for the first time at the inauguration of the CUNY DSI Art Gallery. This unique exhibition is of artistic and historic importance as noted by art historians E. Carmen Ramos and Graciela Kartofel in curatorial essays they contributed to the catalog. Although active and productive in documenting their immigrant experience, Dominican artists have generally worked without institutional support.

October 2008–January 2009

This exhibit is a display highlighting the experiences and contributions of the New York Dominican population using primary source materials from the archival collections of the Dominican Archives as well as secondary source materials from the Dominican Library. It includes documents, photographs and memorabilia that create a visual history of Dominicans as they developed communities that became integral part of New York’s incredibly diverse human landscape. The images display glimpses of the community’s history, culture, traditions, and population changes.

August–September 2008

This major visual exhibit profiled the lives, struggles and views of 127 Dominican women from the Dominican Republic and New York City. The display was the largest exhibit of its kind to showcase Dominican women through poster-size photographs. It also included biographical profiles in English and Spanish, a book, and a video. It was sponsored by MERCASID (one of the largest and oldest Dominican food-producing companies in the Dominican Republic), the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute, and the City College Libraries (with the collaboration of the CCNY President’s Office and the Campus Planning and Facilities).

April–May, 2008

This exhibit showcased 16 of Tito Cánepa’s paintings at the Art Gallery of Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (FUNGLODE) in the Dominican Republic. This exhibit is the first ever to take place in the Dominican Republic displaying the artwork of long-time New York Dominican émigré artist Tito Cánepa. It was co-sponsored by FUNGLODE, Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD), and the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute. Librarian Sarah Aponte coordinated with an international fine arts company the transportation and installation of the art work in the Dominican Republic.

September 2006-January 2007

This exhibit was a collaborative effort to promote the heritage of carnival in various Dominican communities. It featured a radiant display of traditional masks and costumes typically used during carnival in different provinces of the Dominican Republic but created for Dominican carnival in the United States by a crew of dedicated individuals from the Juan Pablo Duarte Foundation (JPDF). The opening reception featured a dynamic carnival dance with lechones (masked devils) and took place in the City College Archives Gallery, Cohen Library, on September 14, 2006. The exhibit was organized by the Juan Pablo Duarte Foundation, the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute Library, the City College Library, and the Presidential Council for Dominicans Abroad. For the occasion, Librarian Aponte designed a brochure about the JPD Foundation announcing the exhibit. 

April 24-June 24, 2006

The Eduardo León Jimenes Cultural Center (Centro León) opened an exhibit in the Cohen Library of the City College of New York on the occasion of the XXI Eduardo León Jimenes Art Contest, the oldest privately sponsored art competition in Latin America, containing fourteen award-winning works from previous years of the Contests and all of the participants from 2004. This show offered the opportunity to observe the course that artistic production in the Dominican Republic has taken since the second half of the twentieth century. The opening of this exhibition provided a context for the presentation of the new rules of the XXI Eduardo León Jimenes Art Contest, which took place Santiago, Dominican Republic in October 2006. The 2006 edition of the Contest amended the rules with the intention of increasing the participation of artists of Dominican descent born outside the Dominican Republic. The exhibition was organized by Centro León, City College Libraries, and the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute Library. The exhibition was sponsored by US Trust, Grupo León Jimenes, and American Airlines.

May 12-June 30, 2006

An exhibit featuring the Dominican Poet Laureate, Don Pedro Mir’s visits to New York City during the 1990s. It consisted of black and white photos, book covers, introductory text, and a comprehensive bibliography based on Mir’s work. The exhibit was organized as part of the “First Interdisciplinary Conference on the Future of Dominican Studies: Charting the Course ¿Dónde estamos y adónde vamos? In Memoriam of Pedro Mir Poet Laureate of the Dominican Republic” held at Hostos Community College. The event was sponsored by the Asociación de Estudios Dominicanos/Dominican Studies Association and Hostos Community College, CUNY.

December 1, 2003–January 9, 2004

Jon Anderson’s black and white photos illustrated life within the Dominican sugar cane plantation villages. The exhibit stressed that Haitian immigrants, Dominican-born people of Haitian descent, and native Dominicans share more than the island of Hispaniola. It was organized by the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute Library and the City College Library and co-sponsored by the CCNY Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, and the Haitian Bilingual-ESL Technical Assistance Center (HABETAC). It was curated by photographer Jon Anderson and Librarian Sarah Aponte. The opening reception for this exhibition was held on December 11, 2003 featuring photographer Jon Anderson.

September 1–October 29, 2004

This exhibit displayed the photographs of Ruben Ramirez and illustrated aspects of ordinary life of Dominican youth in the United States and in the Dominican Republic. It was a cross-cultural visual essay on U.S. Dominican youth and their counterparts in the Dominican Republic. It was organized by the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute Library, and the City College Library. Financial support was provided by the CCNY Office of the Provost, the CCNY Alumni Association, and the City College Fund. The exhibit was researched by Librarian Sarah Aponte and the text was edited by Professor Robert Laurich. The opening reception for this exhibition was held on September 22, 2004 featuring photographer Ruben Ramirez.

December 2, 2004

A Photo/Video Exhibit produced by Harold Martínez and curated by Librarian Sarah Aponte, it provided a general view of the rock scene in the Dominican Republic as a growing alternative movement. Co-Sponsored by: CUNY Dominican Studies Institute Library, CCNY Dominican Students Association, Remolacha.net, Estudio 828, La Viuda Negra Records, Graph & Graph, and Dimensión Oculta.

November 17, 2004

Photographer: Jon Anderson. A slideshow and discussion featuring photos by Jon Anderson and moderated by Librarian Sarah Aponte on the issues facing the Dominican Republic and its historical and cultural legacy. Co-Sponsored by: CUNY Dominican Studies Institute Library, the City College Library, and the New York Foundation of the Arts.

March 5, 2004

A one-day fine arts’ exhibit showed the work and talent of New Dominican American Artists at the Aaron Davis Hall, The City College of New York. The exhibit produced a bilingual catalogue presenting a biographical note of all the artists featured in the exhibit, selected paintings, as well as details concerning their paintings.  The exhibit was supported by a grant from the New York Council for the Humanities. Curated by Delsa Camacho, conceived, and coordinated by Sara Tretter, former CUNY DSI’s administrative assistant. 

September 15–November 15, 2001

This exhibit introduced the complexity of the Dominican community in the diaspora, its history, culture, tradition, and changes. It illustrated various stages in the life of Dominican New Yorkers and their American experience. It was organized by the City College Library and the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute and curated by Librarians Sarah Aponte, Robert Laurich, Julio Rosario and Sydney Van Nort. The exhibit was part of the New York City Archives Week. Additional support was provided by the Simon H. Rifkind Center for the Humanities and the Arts at City College.

The opening reception for this exhibit was held on October 10, 2001 in the Cohen Library Atrium featuring the Dominican-American fiction writer Angie Cruz, who read from her novel Soledad (Simon and Schuster, 2001). La 21 División and Boni Raposo performed traditional Dominican music. The images of this exhibit attracted the interest of the Dominican American National Roundtable (DANR) for the creation of the 2003 calendar.

September 15–November 15, 1999

This exhibit provided a glance at the historical origins of Haitians and Dominicans, the two peoples who share the island of Hispaniola. Among other intellectual issues, the exhibit stressed the central role of conflict as a force that has moved historical change over the last five centuries. It was organized by the City College Library and the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute and curated by Librarian Sarah Aponte, Dr. Silvio Torres-Saillant and Dr. Julio Rosario.

The opening reception for the exhibition was held in October 7, 1999 featuring the renowned historians Frank Moya Pons (Dominican) and Patrick Bellegarde-Smith (Haitian) who discussed the Hispaniola Experience from their Dominican and Haitian perspectives. The former Chief Librarian of the City College Library, Pamela R. Gillespie and the former CUNY DSI Director, Silvio Torres-Saillant gave the welcoming remarks.