CUNY Dominican Studies Institute

CUNY Dominican Studies Institute Producing academic knowledge about people of Dominican descent living in the United States.

08/28/2026

Big news from the CUNY archives!

For the first time, CUNY’s central archivists have completed a comprehensive survey of archives across the entire University, documenting the extraordinary collections that preserve the histories of CUNY, New York City, and the communities we serve.

We are especially proud that CUNY’s announcement highlights several collections and projects of the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute, recognizing the important role our Dominican Archives plays in preserving and making accessible the historical record of Dominicans in New York and the United States.

CUNY DSI has worked to find, rescue, preserve, and bring to light histories that might otherwise be lost. Seeing this work recognized as part of CUNY’s larger archival legacy is especially meaningful to us.

Dominican history is New York history.

Joseph A. Gonzalez (center), donor of The Joseph A. Gonzalez and Ralph E. Magnus Collection, showing our Chief Archivist Sarah Hopley (right) and our Director of Special Project Martha Borish a selection of the recently donated collection of nearly 500 rare historical artifacts—including the first modern map of the Dominican Republic and a rare 1528 Map of La Española.

Through CUNY’s announcement, you will discover the remarkable archival treasures being preserved across the University.

To read CUNY’s announcement click here. https://www.cuny.edu/news/cuny-completes-first-ever-survey-of-extensive-archival-collections-across-26-campuses/

08/24/2026

Afro-Dominican Music: Palo and Salve
Discover the rich historical, cultural, and artistic dimensions of Palo and Salve, two important Afro-Dominican musical traditions, facilitated by Wilfredo José Burgos Matos, Ph.D., and Brujx Cimarronx, FAO.

Offered by the Latin American and Latino Studies (LALS) Program and sponsored by the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute, this 3-credit course combines historical exploration with participatory learning.

LALS 39600 | Fall 2026
Tuesdays & Fridays | 6:30–7:45 PM
Flex format: In-person + remote + optional recorded access
Open to CUNY students and interested participants beyond CUNY.

A unique opportunity to learn, experience, and celebrate Afro-Dominican culture through music, dance, memory, and living traditions.

Video Credit: Failin performing salve during the renowned Fiesta de Palos dedicated to Rafelito a Ogún Balenyó, held in the Playa Najayo community of San Gregorio de Nigua, San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic, as well as during the Fiesta de Papá Legba, celebrated in the same community.
In both recordings, Failin is featured performing alongside the El Nene Palos and Salve Group, her children, and other women from the community.


--

08/19/2026

🎶 Afro-Dominican Music: Palo and Salve
Discover the rich historical, cultural, and artistic dimensions of Palo and Salve, two important Afro-Dominican musical traditions, facilitated by Wilfredo José Burgos Matos, Ph.D., and Brujx Cimarronx - FAO.

Offered by the Latin American and Latino Studies (LALS) Program and sponsored by the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute, this 3-credit course combines historical exploration with participatory learning.

LALS 39600 | Fall 2026
Tuesdays & Fridays | 6:30–7:45 PM
Flex format: In-person + remote + optional recorded access
Open to CUNY students and interested participants beyond CUNY.

A unique opportunity to learn, experience, and celebrate Afro-Dominican culture through music, dance, memory, and living traditions.

🎶 Music: Failin performing Palo y Salve with Grupo El Nene

07/22/2026

What happens to the records of a Member of Congress when they leave office?

Today marked the beginning of a fascinating journey.

We met with the Office of the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives and Congressman Adriano Espaillat's team to discuss the future preservation of congressional records and the archival process that ensures these materials remain accessible for generations to come.

Follow along as we document this unique behind-the-scenes process."

👉 Stay tuned — more updates coming soon!

06/30/2026

The CUNY Dominican Studies Institute at The City College of New York acquired the first modern map of the Dominican Republic as well as hundreds of other rare maps and artifacts focused on the history of the country and the Caribbean.

The Joseph A. Gonzalez and Ralph E. Magnus Collection, named in honor of its donors, is the first major gift to the forthcoming Dominican Center for the Arts and Culture. Established with $39.85 million in city, state and federal funding, the Center will be New York’s first institution celebrating the cultural contributions of the Dominican Republic and its people. https://ow.ly/B7A250Zi8LQ

CUNY Dominican Studies Institute Receives the NSA Meritorious Scholarship AwardThe CUNY Dominican Studies Institute (CUN...
06/30/2026

CUNY Dominican Studies Institute Receives the NSA Meritorious Scholarship Award

The CUNY Dominican Studies Institute (CUNY DSI) has been honored with the NSA Meritorious Scholarship Award, a distinction presented by Supermarket Association (NSA) in recognition of the Institute’s contributions to advancing education, research, and community service.

The award was presented during the NSA CARES Scholarship Awards Gala, held on Thursday, June 25. During the ceremony, more than one hundred outstanding students from our community were recognized for their academic excellence and leadership. In addition to the recognition, the award includes a financial contribution that will support the research projects carried out by the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute.

Dr. Ramona Hernández, Director of the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute, accepted the award on behalf of the Institute. In presenting the honor, the National Supermarket Association recognized CUNY DSI’s longstanding commitment to preserving, researching, and disseminating the history and contributions of the Dominican community in the United States, as well as its dedication to developing academic and community initiatives that benefit present and future generations.



About CUNY Dominican Studies Institute

Founded in 1992 and housed at The City College of New York, the Dominican Studies Institute of the City University of New York (CUNY DSI) is the nation’s first university-based research institute devoted to the study of people of Dominican descent in the United States and other parts of the world. CUNY DSI’s mission is to produce and disseminate research and scholarship about Dominicans, and about the Dominican Republic. CUNY DSI is the locus for a community of scholars, including doctoral fellows, in the field of Dominican Studies and sponsors multidisciplinary research projects. The Institute houses the Dominican Archives, the first and only of its kind outside of the Dominican Republic, dedicated to preserving the records reflecting the experiences of Dominicans in the U.S., and the Dominican Library, the largest depository of bibliographical resources in the U.S. related to Dominican Studies.

https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/dsi?srsltid=AfmBOor_xOvp28UkGr0zT1438eNdYQPOMj9Ls5Imo2ujD0sayRty2jJw

The CUNY Cultural and Historical Legacy Initiative is pleased to announce the official unveiling of an innovative cultur...
05/07/2026

The CUNY Cultural and Historical Legacy Initiative is pleased to announce the official unveiling of an innovative cultural and educational project dedicated to preserving the legacy of Normandia Maldonado. This initiative includes the publication of a children’s book, the development of a school curriculum, and the production of a documentary, all designed to enrich historical education and strengthen cultural identity for future generations.

The event will take place on May 26, 2026, at 4:00 PM at The City College of New York, Dominican Archives & Library (NAC 2/202).
Admission is free and open to the public; however, space is limited and registration is required.

Ticket page:
https://ticketstripe.com/CUNYCHLIMaldonado
Or access the link in our profile.

Special recognition and appreciation to the tremendous support from U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Representative Adriano Espaillat for funding this cultural initiative that will benefit youth and families for generations

Discover the voices that will bring the dialogue to life at Bosch Through Time, a conference dedicated to filmmaker René...
05/04/2026

Discover the voices that will bring the dialogue to life at Bosch Through Time, a conference dedicated to filmmaker René Fortunato.

Meet our panelists: distinguished scholars from across the Americas and experts on the many facets of Professor Juan Bosch. From diverse disciplines and perspectives, they will offer a thoughtful analysis of his literary, political, and democratic legacy.

Panelists:
David Álvarez Martín, Ph.D.
Carolina Armenteros, Ph.D.
Ángel Estévez, Ph.D.
Maritza Hernández, Ph.D.
Juan Ariel Jiménez, MPA/ID
Angeliki Larda, Ph.D.
Pedro Martínez Lillo, Ph.D.
Beatriz Peña, Ph.D.
Mariela Pichardo, Ph.D. Candidate
Amparo Reyes Velázquez, Ph.D.
Juan Tapia, M.D. (New York, USA)
Luisa “Chiqui” Vicioso, M.Ed.
Christopher Winks, Ph.D.

This academic gathering brings together distinguished voices to explore Bosch’s thought across generations and perspectives.

📅 Date: May 15, 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
📍 Location: The City College of New York – Dominican Archives & Library
🎟️ Free admission with registration

🔗 Register now: https://ticketstripe.com/events/8761108628653476
🔗 Or visit the link in our profile

We look forward to welcoming you as we reflect on Bosch through time.

The Dominican Students Association at The City College of New York cordially invites:“Juan Bosch Through the Eyes of You...
04/20/2026

The Dominican Students Association at The City College of New York cordially invites:
“Juan Bosch Through the Eyes of Youth”

🎬 Inaugural Panel – Bosch Through Time Conference
Dedicated to filmmaker René Fortunato

📅 May 14, 2025
🕖 7:00 – 9:00 PM
📍 Dominican Archives & Library, NAC 2/103
@ The City College of New York

Registration: https://ticketstripe.com/events/8761108628653476

Join us as students and alumni come together to explore the enduring legacy of Juan Bosch—through fresh perspectives, meaningful conversation, and community connection.

An evening to learn, reflect, and lead. 💬📚

A posthumous tribute to the legendary Dominican filmmaker René Fortunato, honoring his extraordinary career dedicated to...
04/06/2026

A posthumous tribute to the legendary Dominican filmmaker René Fortunato, honoring his extraordinary career dedicated to preserving the pivotal moments and figures in Dominican history. His documentaries, books, and award-winning work—including Bosch: Presidente en la frontera imperial—offer an essential visual narrative of our nation’s political and social evolution.

Join us at "Bosch en el Tiempo", an academic conference exploring the enduring legacy of Professor Juan Bosch, organized by the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute and the Juan Bosch Foundation USA.

📅 May 15, 2026 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
📍 The City College of New York – Dominican Archives & Library
🎟️ Register now 👉 https://ticketstripe.com/events/8761108628653476

Address

The City College Of New York, North Academic Center, 160 Convent Avenue (Enter At 137th St And Amsterdam Avenue)
New York, NY
10031

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when CUNY Dominican Studies Institute posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The University

Send a message to CUNY Dominican Studies Institute:

Shortcuts

Share