Chinese Immigrants in Cuba: Documents From the James and Ana Melikian Collection
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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Created1861
DescriptionList of workers who were recently hired by various employers. It lists the name of the employer or company, the name of the settler and their personal details.
Created1862
Description
A contract between Pablo, a Chinese settler, and Engenio de Mora. The contract was to last for two years and lists the legal requirement of both the employee and the employer. Pablo did not negotiate or sign the contract as the signature stipulates that someone else signed for him. Signed by Jose Miguel.
Created1866-04-26
DescriptionThis document is a certification that the application for permanent residence in Cuba that was submitted by a Chinese settler named Pablo was approved. Instructions to expedite a carta de domicilio, or a residence card, for Pablo were written on the bottom of the page. Cardenas- 1866
Created1866-06-30
Description
These documents pertain to a Chinese "cult" in Havana that alarmed several government officials who were concerned that not taking any measures to disband the cult and to successfully convert the Chinese settlers to Catholicism could be dangerous for the integrity of the Catholic faith in Cuba, and for Cuban citizens. 1866.
Created1866
DescriptionSummary of an examination into the relationship between Catholicism and the Chinese settlers that had been baptized, labeling it "deplorable" because complete integration had not taken place and that the settlers were still worshiping "idols" due to their isolation in agricultural work. 1866.
Created1874
DescriptionDeath certificate for Pablo, a Chinese immigrant. He died in the Hospital de Caridad de San Felipe from lung problems.
Created1845
DescriptionThis document grants release to a Chinese settler that had been previously imprisoned.
Created1866-11-06
DescriptionReports the concerns of Catholic leaders about the idolatry and cult groups forming among converted Chinese settlers.
Created1866-06-18
DescriptionDocument pertaining to Chinese settlers converting to Catholicism and adopting what missionaries considered "appropriate" morals and habits in their Catholic faith.
Created1863-09-16
DescriptionFernando, a Chinese settler, converted to Christianity. In his baptism, he offered his loyalty to the Cuban government and the church in order to eventually receive permanent residency in Cuba, a legal requirement.