The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture located in Harlem, New York is a research unit of The New York Public Library system. It is recognized as one of the leading institutions focusing exclusively on African-American, African Diaspora, and African experiences. Begun more than 85 years ago with the collections of Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, a Puerto Rican historian, writer, activist and art & literature collector who researched and raised awareness of the contributions of Afro-Latino/a Americans and Afro-Americans, the Schomburg Center has collected, preserved, and provided access to materials documenting black life—in America and worldwide. It has also promoted the study and interpretation of the history and culture of peoples of African descent. Today, the Schomburg Center continues to serve the community not just as a center and a library, but also as a space that encourages lifelong education and exploration.
The Schomburg Center’s Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division collects, preserves, and makes available for research purposes rare, unique, and primary materials which document the history and culture of peoples of African descent throughout the world, with a concentration on the Americas and the Caribbean. As part of its 75th Anniversary Collection Initiative, in 2000 the Schomburg Center completed the acquisition of the papers of Lorraine Hansberry. The papers include virtually all of Hansberry’s writings, autobiographical materials, journals, diaries, personal and professional correspondence, and related materials.
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Books Division, Second Floor
The New York Public Library
515 Malcolm X Boulevard, New York, NY 10037-1801
(917) 275-6975
http://www.nypl.org/locations/schomburg