Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in New York, NY
Located in the heart of Harlem in New York City stands the impressive Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Officially established as a research division of The New York Public Library in 1940, the center is a leading institution dedicated to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of global black history, arts, and culture. From researchers and academics to artists and curious visitors, the center’s massive collection, amounting to over 10 million items, attracts individuals from all walks of life, boasting a diverse tapestry of resources that chronicle the Black experience.
The center's origins trace back to the initial efforts of Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, a migration-era Puerto Rican who devoted his life to compile an unrivaled collection of African artifacts, arts, and integral historical records. His lifelong passion laid the foundation of what is now the Schomburg Center, where his spirit of enthusiastic discovery continues to thrive. The center sprawls over 75,000 square feet, originally constituted as the Schomburg Collection of Negro Literature, History and Prints, and presently recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
The Schomburg Center houses five research divisions that visitors can explore. The general Research and Reference Division safeguards a broad range of resources - books, periodicals, prints, photographs, music, and recorded information. The Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division is the gateway to more ancient, unique records, letters, and rare first editions. The Photographs and Prints Division preserves over 300,000 images documenting the history and culture of people of African descent. The Moving Image and Recorded Sound Division includes a vast treasure of oral histories, recorded music, and moving images. Lastly, the Art and Artifacts Division is home to a global assortment of over 5,000 art objects.
The center also houses three robust departments that nurture scholarship and serve the community. The Scholars-in-Residence Program provides long term and short term fellowships for research in African diaspora history and culture using the center's resources. The Junior Scholars Program provides cultural enrichment and historical knowledge for young people through access to the center's resources. Additionally, the center hosts an array of cultural events, including author talks, film screenings, exhibitions, and performances, providing a comprehensive cultural immersion.
In summary, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is much more than just a repository; it is a living institution, encouraging discovery, research, and a continuous conversation about the Black experience. With its vast collection spanning multiple mediums, its immersive programs, and continuous commitment towards fostering understanding and appreciation of global black history, arts, and culture, the Schomburg Center is every bit worth a visit. As you traverse its corridors and plunge into the depth of its archives, you'd truly immerse yourself in the rich tapestry that is the global Black heritage.
