The databases available from the Archives provide access to and demonstrate the range of materials found in our collections. Inclusive of audiocassettes, postcards, journals and periodicals, posters and identification records, among other things, the databases are a key research tool for the scholar interested in locating a varied listing of images, interviews, performances, articles and ephemera, as well as a rich resource for genealogists.

These collections were assembled by purchase and/or from items that formed part of personal papers donated to Centro. They are, therefore, a work in progress.  At this time, the databases are only available in-house, though it is projected that they will by made available online in the Spring of 2008

The Buttons Collection consists of over 300 items originally forming part of personal papers or organizational records. Among these are Justo A. Marti, Pura Belpré, José López, Ruth M. Reynolds, Petra Allende, Centro, and the National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights. Though the majority of the items are Puerto Rican, the collection also includes other Latinos, particularly Mexican-Chicanos. The buttons are predominantly political in theme, representing elected officials, such as Herman Badillo, or the struggle in Vieques to remove the U.S. Navy from the Island. Many also represent organizations, such as the National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights, ASPIRA, and Fiesta Folklorica. A highlight of this collection is items from the José López Papers, which include buttons for the United Farm Workers, the UFW boycott, and César Chávez. López was a labor organizer in New York City who was a supporter and participant in the UFW boycott.  

Calendars

The FBI Files on Puerto Ricans [click here]

An educational project of the Center for Puerto Rican Studies. It contains formerly secret files produced by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from the 1930s to the 1990s. The files document FBI surveillance activities and counter-intelligence operations that targeted Puerto Rican organizations and individuals. 

Harper's Weekly and other Journals

Journals and Periodicals

The Journals and Periodicals Collection consists of over 100 items from several American publications documenting the Spanish-American War in 1898, the U.S. occupation of Puerto Rico, and the period of transition of Puerto Rico from a Spanish colony to U.S. territory. It includes newspapers, magazines, booklets, illustrations, lithographs, postcards and prints, the bulk of which date from 1898 to 1904. Though many of the publications are political in theme, containing articles on key battles in the War and brief biographies on military figures, such as Colonel Theodore Roosevelt and General Nelson A. Miles, some deal with more socio-cultural or economic subjects, such as coffee and sugar-making. Others were intended to attract tourists to the Puerto Rico, the “newest possession” of the U.S., displaying stunning landscapes and attractions. The publications document the changing attitudes of America towards the Caribbean throughout this time period, therefore an imperialistic, sometimes racist, ideology is reflected in many of the articles and political cartoons. One highlight of this collection is its impressive artwork, including photographs, cartoons, drawings and sketches from life by well-know artists of the time period, such as Frederic Remington.  

Identification and Documentation Program [click here]

During the years of 1930 through 1959, the Bureau of Employment and Identification (1930-1948) and the Migration Division of the Labor Department of Puerto Rico (1948-1989) issued 47,342 English identification cards. Although the ID cards were not mandatory, they were extremely valuable documents for proving American citizenship and easing the way for migrants.

Maps

The Maps Collection consists of 80 items, the bulk of which are dated from 1898-1930, mainly depicting political boundaries in Puerto Rico, geography and demography. The collection also includes maps of the Caribbean archipelago, East Harlem and New York. Highlights of this collection are a 1973 Copperplate engraved map of Puerto Rico, by S. Giovanni, and a copy of a 1576 early map of the island, both in mint condition.  

Postcards

The Postcards Collection consists of over 900 items, dating from 1898 to the present. Almost half of the items are souvenir postcards of Puerto Rico, dating 1898-1970’s. These are arranged by town and economical activities, such as sugarcane, coffee, tobacco, etc. About two fifths of the postcards are of more recent (1990-2006) socio-cultural activities in New York, including theatre, music, dance, film, and gay and lesbian events. The remaining items are postcards of the Antilles; Cuba Dominican Republic, and Haiti.  

Stereocards

Stereocards became popular in the mid 1880’s. They were two almost identical pictures, mounted on a stiff cardboard backing so that, when viewed through a stereoscope, a three-dimensional picture could be seen. These cards became popular in the mid 1880s and were made in quantity through the 1930s. The Centro Stereocards Collection consists of 22 items, dating from 1898 to the 1920s. The cards are of various scenes in Puerto Rican towns, among them Yauco Adjuntas, Aguadilla, and Mayaguez, and depict living conditions and economic activities, such as sugar cane, coffee, etc. Typical of this time period, some of the stereocards have racist overtones. Also included are photographs of Major-General Nelson A. Miles, who led the American troops during the invasion of Puerto Rico in 1898, and Admiral William T. Sampson, who commanded the expedition that bombarded San Juan in the same year.

The databases available from the Archives provide access to and demonstrate the range of materials found in our collections. Inclusive of audiocassettes, postcards, journals and periodicals, posters and identification records, among other things, the databases are a key research tool for the scholar interested in locating a varied listing of images, interviews, performances, articles and ephemera, as well as a rich resource for genealogists.

These collections were assembled by purchase and/or from items that formed part of personal papers donated to Centro. They are, therefore, a work in progress.  At this time, the databases are only available in-house, though it is projected that they will by made available online in the Spring of 200