Collections : [FIU Special Collections]

The Abril Lamarque papers date from 1904-2002. The collection documents the life and career of Cuban-born cartoonist, designer, illustrator, graphic artist, caricaturist, and art director Abril Lamarque through printed materials, scrapbooks, writings, and original artwork. The collection includes examples of his cartoons and caricatures, these include clippings of the comic strip Monguito.

This collection consists of six advertising trade cards published by the Company of Products Cibils and six by the Liebig's Extract of Meat Company. The front of each card has a color illustration and a caption title in French or English. The titles are taken from the cards as they were, while those in French are translated for better access. The back of each card has the company's advertisement, additionally Liebig's includes in some their recipe and states to beware of imitations and require the signature J.v.LIEBIG in blue ink. The main subject of the images is Cuba, depicting tobacco plantations, the sugar cane industry, local markets, ports and ships. All of these made the island attractive for visitors and business people.

This collection personal papers, newspaper clippings, and personal papers from various authors and representatives influencing Cuban policy, including Florida Representative Mary Ann MacKenzie. Additionally, there are personal documents by Agustin Villegas, such as resumes, copy of diplomas, certificates of education, and select documents incorporating religion and communism, such as selected writings by Karl Marx.

This collection consists of brochures and general information on various artists from Latin America and the Caribbean Islands donated by the Florida International University Art Museum from Miami Herald art critic Leslie Judd Ahlander. This includes Cuban artist Felippe Abbreu and Argentinean artist Marta Minujin. The area of these artists include Cuba, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica.

This collection contains composed works of Cuban-American musical conductor and musician Alberto Bolet. Additionally, the archive includes an original typewriter belonging to him, posters from various performances, photographs of him as well as performances, and personal correspondences.

The Alex and Carol Stepick Collection consists of materials depicting the plight of the Cuban and Haitian refugees in the 1980s in Miami, Florida. The documents detail the treatment of refugees once on American soil and the condition in the countries they were escaping from; highlighting the contrasting experiences of Cuban and Haitian refugees. The collection demonstrates the work of Dr. Alex Stepick, Florida International University Professor of Anthropology and Sociology, in emphasizing the refugee situation on a local and national level. Materials also detail political lobbying on behalf of the Haitian refugees, and increasing awareness of their situation. The collection contains scholarly research, studies, and publications relating to the Cuban and Haitian refugees. The collection includes census-related materials, congressional records, economic reports, letters, newspaper articles, political materials, press releases, professional publications, research notes, surveys, etc.

This collection maintains vast photographs of the Arguelles family starting in the 1930s. The significance of this collection relates directly to what life was like for a typical Cuban family before the Revolution and before Fulgencio Batista seized power. This includes photographs of plantations, farms, local airfields, and even a typical day at the beach with the family. Digital images of these albums are available through the Digital Library of the Caribbean (Dloc). Physical copies are available at FIU Special Collections Department.

The materials in this collection primarily reflect AJ Thomas's work as a scientist. Articles written by or of interest to him are included, as well as professional correspondence, reports, and photographs. Additionally, there are files of personal correspondence, writing, articles, and photographs.