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The Chinese Immigrants in Cuba collection includes hundreds of original documents, manuscripts and photos covering the migration of 125,000 Chinese who signed up to be cheap labor in Cuba from 1847 until the later 1890s. The archive continues until the 1970s and records the Chinese community in Cuba and is rich with photos. This massive collection, from the archive of James and Ana Melikian Collection, is probably the largest one in private hands concerning Chinese in Cuba. At present, the physical collection contains over 1,341 records and about 8,000-9,000 pages.

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Reports

DescriptionThis is a series of reports files by the mayor of Guanabacoa concerning the treatment of Chinese settlers in Cuba, including punishment for crimes and the death penalty.
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Cedula

Created1864
Description

The cedula or an identity record for a Chinese settler, Francisco. He was brought from Soltero, China to Cuba to work for M. B. Pereda for eight years. Then, his contract was transferred to R. A. Leull for an additional eight years. 1864.

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Cedula

Created1864
DescriptionThis is a neighborhood identity card (cedula) that belonged to Francisco- a Chinese settler, who was 33 years old, and in the process of completing his eight year labor contract as an indentured servant working for a railroad company at the time that the ID card was issued. 1864.
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Shipping Record

Created1864-04-06
DescriptionRecords for the ship Vasco de Gama, which brought Chinese settlers from China to Cuba under contract with La Alianza and Ferran y Dupierris. On this trip, the Vasco de Gama brought two settlers from China to work for Jose Campos.
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List of Runaway Chinese Workers

Created1858
DescriptionList of Chinese settlers who have run away from their owners and were later captured in Guanabacoa in 1858.
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List of Runaway Chinese Workers

Created1858
DescriptionList of Chinese settlers who had run away from their owners and were captured in Guanabacoa in 1858. Their names, ages, and physical descriptions are listed.
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Application Documents for Permanent Residence in Cuba

Created1865
Description

5.Application Documents "Letter Home" (permanent residence on the island of Cuba), 1865. Contains: Identity card of Chinese settlers legalized with a police seal; letter of recommendation from the owner certifying that fulfilled his contract of 8 years; Chinese settlers statements; Government contract (Guanabacoa).

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Contract

Created1868-06-28
DescriptionThis is a second labor contract that was shared between Francisco- a Chinese settler, and a Cuban landlord named D. Pedro L. Garcia; the contract term, as specified within the contract, was for one year. 1968. Signed in Chinese.
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Labor

Created1956-07-16
DescriptionNotice from Dr. Jesus M Gonzalez y Fuente, doctor and lawyer, to Vicente Lee and Manuel Chiang allowing them to open their store, Lee and Chiang in Guanabacoa.
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Ship Record of the "Vasco de Gama"

Created1864
Description

Records for the ship Vasco de Gama, which brought Chinese settlers from China to Cuba under contract with La Alianza. On this trip, the Vasco de Gama brought settlers from China to work for Juan P.