Collections : [FIU Special Collections]

The materials in this collection primarily consist of playbills, showbills, and programs that range from the mid-to-late 20th century and are primarily from the personal collection of Louis Miano. However, the contents are compiled from multiple collections of the same scope. There is a large collection of playbills, showbills, and programs from theater and opera in Miami and South Florida, as well as from across the United States and Europe. The collection also contains magazines, ephemera, and other materials related to musical theater in the United States and Europe.

The items in this collection represent single or small donations to the division. These are original manuscripts of historical significance.

This collection contains photographs, manuscripts, newspaper articles, audio-interviews and journal articles dating back to the mid-19th century depicting life for African Americans in South Florida all the way to the present. This addresses racial relations amongst increasing Hispanic emigration, evolution in the legal system and local court houses, demands for fairer educational standards, and acknowledgment of racial bias for crimes against African Americans done by whites.

The Heinl Collection is primarily concerned with Haiti. It includes photographs, print materials, and artwork from the late eighteenth century through to the late twentieth century. The photograph series contains images of Haiti from two periods: the U.S. occupation (1915-1934) and 1957-1971. Both sets have a strong focus on matters of military and diplomatic interest. The print materials include rare books, pamphlets, and letters, most of which are concerned with Haitian history. The art collection includes maps, prints, paintings, and drawings, including a number from colonial Saint Domingue.

The Ramiro Casanas Collection provides a look into the Casanas Family's longtime passion for collecting. The collection's primary focus is on pieces that document Cuban history during the nineteenth and twentieth century. It features Cuban artwork, handwritten poetry, cigar boxes, periodicals, and sports paraphernalia. Also included are artifacts from around the world, such as international banknotes, political ephemera, maps, and photographs.