Collections : [FIU Special Collections]

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.

The materials in this collection represent the Reno family's service as journalists as well as their love of South Florida. These materials are the private and public writings, photographs, and ephemera of the family and provide biographical background and context to multiple figures, including Attorney General Janet Reno. Reflecting the family's journalistic occupations, Henry, Jane, and Robert's newspaper articles and columns make up the bulk of the items in this collection.

The materials in this collection represent the subject's work as a photographer and postcard artist/collector in early 20th century Dennmark and Wisconsin.