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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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.
Created1858
DescriptionList of Chinese settlers who ran away from their owners and were later captured. After capture, they were held in the Municipal Slave Deposit in Santa Maria del Rosario. Their names, ages, and nationality are listed along with the dates of their escape and capture.
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.
DescriptionOfficial naturalization document of Simon, a Chinese settler, who was granted his carta de naturaleza, or naturalization documents. Relates that Simon had take an oath of loyalty and obedience to the Cuban government that was required of him.
Created1866-08-28
DescriptionCertifies that Simon Perez, a Chinese settler, completed an eight-year-contract with his employer, the Sugar Refinery de Carmen.
Created1880-06-06
DescriptionCertificate of nationality of a Chinese settler, Manuel. It was signed by the Consulate General. He was originally from Canton.
Created1863-10-10
DescriptionRelates that Telesforo, a Chinese settler, was granted permanent residency in Cuba after fulfilling the legal requirements.