DOMINICAN ARCHIVES
Mission
The Dominican Archives was established in 2002 on the tenth anniversary of the founding of the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute, as a repository of archival materials that documents the experience and contributions of the Dominican population in the United States.
The mission of the Dominican Archives is to identify, appraise, accession, process, preserve and provide access to archival materials that document the contributions and experience of the Dominican community in the United States. The Archives supplements and compliments the efforts of the Institute’s library and research programs, greatly enriching the supply of primary source materials that it makes available to scholars, students and faculty in the area of Dominican studies.
History
Initial funding for the Dominican Archives was provided by the New York State Archives Documentary Heritage Program on July 2002. The grant made it possible for the Institute to hire renowned archivist Idilio Gracia Peña as a consultant to prepare a feasibility study and action plan to establish the archives. Mr. Gracia Peña is a former commissioner of the New York City Department of Records and Information Services and director of the New York City Municipal Archives. He is a professional archivist with over 45 years experience in archives, library and records management. His consulting clients include the prestigious Archives of the Puerto Rican Diaspora of the Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, the largest archives documenting the Puerto Rican population outside Puerto Rico.
In 2003, to further consolidate the Dominican Archives program, Institute Director Ramona Hernández named an advisory board of prominent members of the Dominican community and distinguished academics to advise her on matters related to the archival documentation of the Dominican population.
Archives Survey Project
From July 2003 to June 2005, again with the financial support of the New York Documentary Heritage Program, the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute conducted a comprehensive survey to identify existing archival materials generated by Dominican organizations, businesses, community leaders and activists and private individuals. In June 2004, Mr. John Suter of the New York State Archives Documentary Heritage Program visited the Institute and had the opportunity to peruse some papers already accessioned by the Archives. He also witnessed the interest and support from the City College’s leadership who promptly provided additional space to the Institute to accommodate the collections that were being donated enthusiastically by members of the New York Dominican community. Dr. Zeev Dagan, Provost and Dr. Lois Chronholm, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of the City College of New York were instrumental at this stage and ensured the viability of the archives project. By June 2005, thanks to the continued support of the New York Dominican community, the survey had yielded a total of 836 cubic feet of archival materials.
Archives Collection Project
In July 2006, the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute received a collection grant from the New York State Documentary Heritage Program to collect the archival materials identified by the previously conducted archives survey. The two-year survey uncovered approximately 836 cubic feet of archival materials. Of the 836 cubic feet identified by the survey, 68 collections, with approximately 336 cubic feet, has been accessioned by the Dominican Archives. In July 2007, the Institute received another collection grant from the New York State Documentary Heritage Program to continue the collection project. In the future the Archives intends to institutionalize the collection process as part of normal operations.
Historic $1.3 Million Funding Allocation from New York City Council
November 2004 marks perhaps the most important milestone in the history of the Archives and of the Dominican Studies Institute with the receipt of a $1.3 million dollar funding allocation from the New York City Council for the construction of a state-of-the-art facility to house the Archives and the Library. The new funds also allowed for the hiring of a full-time archivist and an assistant archivist who are devoted to advancing the mission and ensuring the success of the Dominican Archives.
The funding allocation was secured through the leadership of the Honorable Miguel Martínez who represents District 10 in the New York City Council. The new facility will be outfitted with the most modern and advanced technological equipment available for the preservation and service of archival materials, and to meet the programmatic needs of the Library and the Archives. Once the new facility is fully functional in 2008, the staff of the CUNY DSI Archives will organize workshops for community-based organizations and individuals interested in learning the basics concerning the preservation of documents and records management as a way to establish a stronger relationship between the Dominican Archives, the Dominican people, and the public at large.
Idilio Gracia Peña appointed Chief Archivist
In 2004, Idilio Gracia Peña was appointed Chief Archivist to head the Dominican Archives. Mr. Gracia Peña is a graduate of The City College of New York. He is renowned for his vast experience in archival management and his service on boards in the archives profession.
Under his leadership, the Dominican Archives has begun an aggressive agenda with three priorities:
- Continue the survey to uncover and identify additional archival materials to be accessioned by the Archives.
- Continue the collection process until all extant archival materials that document the Dominican population are accessioned by the Archives.
- Implement an aggressive archives development program to secure additional funds from public agencies as well as private foundations, businesses and individuals to process and make available archival materials for research.
As Chief Archivist, Mr. Gracia Peña will also develop policies and procedures for the administration and operation of the archival program.
