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.

Displaying 1 - 10 of 69
Filtering by

Clear all filters

78714-Thumbnail Image.png
Created1866
DescriptionThis is an oath of allegiance signed by a Chinese settler in order to become a natural citizen of Cuba. Signed in Chinese.
78471-Thumbnail Image.png
Created1867
DescriptionThis is the first contract between Napoleon, a Chinese settler, and Juan Smith, his owner for the term of one year of work in Colon.
78473-Thumbnail Image.png
Created1867-01-27
DescriptionThis is a second work contract that was shared between a Chinese settler named Figaro, and a Cuban landlord, Carlos Aomingues; the term of the contract was for six months. 1867. Signed in Chinese.
78474-Thumbnail Image.png
Created1867
DescriptionA contract between Atanacio, a Chinese settler and Juan Becio. The contract was to last for a year and lists the legal requirements of both the employee and the employer. Signed by the governor, Juan Becio, and Atanacio, who signed in Chinese.
78476-Thumbnail Image.png
Created1861
DescriptionThis is a contract between Antonio, a Chinese settler, and J. Smith for the term of one year. 1861. Signed in Chinese.
78479-Thumbnail Image.png
Created1866-05-20
Description
This is a second labor contract that was shared between Jose, a Chinese settler, and his owner, Luis de Alda. He was brought to Cuba to serve as an indentured servants and the term of the contract was for six months. Details regarding Jose's wage, food, clothes, and work hours

This is a second labor contract that was shared between Jose, a Chinese settler, and his owner, Luis de Alda. He was brought to Cuba to serve as an indentured servants and the term of the contract was for six months. Details regarding Jose's wage, food, clothes, and work hours were stipulated in the document. 1866. Signed in Chinese.
78493-Thumbnail Image.png
Created1866
DescriptionThis is a contract between Bartolo, a Chinese settler, and his owner in Colon. 1866.
78516-Thumbnail Image.png
Created1892-06-07
Description

This document pertains to an official permission that was granted to allow for a Chinese settler to be buried in the Cemetery of Colon. Havana, 1892.

78517-Thumbnail Image.png
Created1892
DescriptionThis is the death record of a Chinese settler, Cheng Lang, who died in Colon, 1892. He was buried in the Cemetery of Christopher Columbus
78443-Thumbnail Image.png
Created1867-01-06
DescriptionThis is a second labor contract that was shared between a Chinese settler and his owner, Ramon; the term of the contract was for one year. 1867. Signed in Chinese.