The CUNY Haitian Studies Institute (HSI) Archives, is located at Brooklyn College and is the
repository for rare and unique materials obtained by CUNY HSI for the purpose of preserving
these materials, offering patrons—scholars of all ages—access to primary source materials that
are part of the Haitian experience and history in the New York diaspora. The materials within the
collections include manuscripts, books, photographs, and other formats, are non-circulating and
shelved in closed stacks which are available by appointment.

The CUNY HSI promotes the use of its collections through collaborative outreach efforts with
teaching faculty in various departments at Brooklyn College, other CUNY campuses, and other
institutions of higher learning, and the creation of exhibits from materials in the collections. Our
collections are open to students, staff, and faculty at Brooklyn College, as well as local public
school students and other researchers.

Mission
The mission of the CUNY HSI is to contribute to the advancement of the academic field
of Haitian studies through interdisciplinary research and practices.
In support, the CUNY HSI Archives and Special Collections aims its commitment at
documenting and acquiring materials that illustrate the experiences of Haitian
communities in Haiti and abroad (diaspora)

General Scope
The CUNY HSI Archives is committed to preserving materials created by
individuals, organizations, and other entities a part of the Haitian communities in
New York specifically, whether the documents are analog or digital. The archives
will serve the research needs of K-12 students, college students, graduate
students, scholars, and community members. The CUNY HSI Archives will
actively engage in inclusive donor stewardship to build archival holdings for the
use of all researchers and to preserve these materials for future generations.

Information for Donors

The HSI Archives and Special Collections documents the history of the Haitian diaspora in the New York Area. Donations of materials within the scope of our collection policy are welcome. If you are considering donating items to the archives please get in touch with Obden Mondésir, the Institute’s Archivist