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 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 gather resources to aid in the research of the commercial, eclesiastical, economic, and geographical history of Cienfuegos, Cuba, as well as featuring texts on important figures and locations. It includes full texts and editions of regional newspapers, as well as the more intimate look at sketches, blueprints, seals, and correspondence, postcards, and business cards.

The Elena Kurstin Cuban Memorabilia Collection provides a glance at Cuban life and culture in the years prior to 1959. This collection contains assorted pieces of ephemera that depict the lives of average Cuban people. Included are photographs of the countryside and people, postcards, and advertisements. The Cuban tourist industry is well represented, especially the resorts and casinos of 1940s and 1950s Havana. The collection also includes magazine and newspaper articles about Cuba, both pre and post-revolution.

Printed materials, correspondence, photographs, and slides related to Van De Bogart's travels to and lifelong interest in Cuba.  The collection also includes an official US State Department letter and other documents related to Van De Bogart's efforts to retain her passport.