Haitiana Collection

The records in the Haitiana Collection document the history of Haiti during the second half of the 18th century (1789), 19th century, and the first half of the 20th century (1805-1954). The collection primarily is comprised of correspondence to and from various Presidents and Emperors of Haiti, government officials (Secretaries for Foreign Relations, Economy, Public Instruction, etc.), and presidents and leaders of other nations, particularly in the Caribbean, the United States and Europe. A large number of the letters are from Roman Catholic popes and other heads of state around the world congratulating the leaders of Haiti on their inaugurations. Other documents include reports, commercial agreements (with the U.S. and other countries), reports of military activities, appointments, laws, and documents pertaining to diplomatic and consular affairs.

Among the many Haitian heads of state represented in this collection are Alexandre Pétion, Faustin Soulouque, Nissage Saget, Lysius Salomon, Pierre Nord Alexis, François Antoine Simon, Oreste Zamor, Joseph Davilmar Theodore, Jean Vilbrun Guillaume Sam, and Sténio Vincent. Other notable Haitians include Murville Ferere, Minister of Foreign Relations; Solon Menos, Haitian ambassador to the U.S.; and General Turenne Jean-Gilles; and Charles Moravia, Minister Plenipotentiary to the U.S. during the American occupation of Haiti.

The collection was acquired and processed as five groups: MS Group 23A spans 1900-1943; MS Group 23B spans 1903-1954; MS Group 23C spans 1900-1944; MS Group 23D spans 1805-1899; and MS Group 23E spans the year 1789. The first three groups cover the 20th century, and the dates and subjects overlap considerably. The fourth group spans the 19th century, and there is very little overlap between it and the first three groups.The fifth group contains one document from the 18th century.

Additions to the collection have been added to Ms Group 23F.