2023

Pura Belpré performing a story in front of a group of children

JANUARY 23, 2023 – September 8, 2023 | Smathers Library Gallery

Pura Belpré, Bringing Boricua Stories to the Bookshelf

Pura Teresa Belpré made significant contributions to librarianship and children’s literature through her 40+ years of activism as a writer, scholar, and the first Black Puerto Rican librarian for the New York Public Libraries (NYPL). Belpré believed in the universality of childhood and dedicated herself to serving children from Puerto Rican and BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) communities. It is crucial to look at her legacy, as her activism is one that many can learn from and is still relevant to the present day. Curated by Katiana Bagué with assistance from Lourdes Santamaría-Wheeler & Dr. Ramona Caponegro.

Panama Canal workers using an unloader to move rock and dirt

APRIL 21, 2023 – MARCH 29, 2024 | ALBERT H. NAHMAD PANAMA CANAL GALLERY

The Cutting Edge

As built, the Panama Canal is an extraordinary achievement that would have been impossible to create just a few decades earlier. Recent advancements and innovations in concrete, dredging, electricity, equipment, engines, dynamite, railroads, and many others, meant the difference between success and failure. Individuals and industries capitalized on these improvements and invented solutions to complete an awe-inspiring engineering project in a time frame that pushed the limits of possibility. Curated by Elizabeth Bemis.

Like the Cuban notion of “making do” (resolviendo), it has been said that Vigía is to make art with what is available.

JULY 31 2023 – MAY 13, 2024 | Smathers Library Lobby

Ediciones Vigía

Ediciones Vigía, is an independent publishing house in Matanzas, Cuba. Unlike large publishing houses, Vigía only prints a few hundred of each title. Each handmade book is a unique work of art. Like the Cuban notion of “making do” (resolviendo), it has been said that Vigía is to make art with what is available.

Illustration of La Borinqueña with text that states "Somos todos Boricuas"

AUGUST 10, 2023 – JUNE 18, 2O24 | LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN COLLECTION

Yo misma fui mi ruta

This exhibit, inspired by Julia de Burgos’ poem “Yo misma fui mi ruta,” represents various aspects that have contributed to the construction of Puerto Rican women’s image. With images of everyday life, articles about forced sterilizations, and the struggles of Puerto Rican political leaders, this exhibit seeks to create meaningful conversations about Puerto Rican women’s fight against systematic oppression. Curated by Beatriz Domínguez Alemán under the guidance of Margarita Vargas-Betancourt.

Tostones with chopped garlic on a plate

SEPTEMBER 15, 2023 – DECEMBER 15, 2023 | Smathers Library Gallery

Diaspora Dishes: Remembering Home

Cookbooks are more than objects on kitchen shelves and counters that share instructions. The stories, recipes, and images can connect us to our communities and collective histories. At the same time, they reflect the paradoxes and conflicts of the people that produce them. The cookbooks in this exhibit contain unique stories about identity, homeland, migration, significant social changes, family, community, and love. They are treasures that help us fill our appetites, nourish our loved ones, and taste memories near and far. Curated by Katiana Bagué, Melissa Jerome, Lourdes Santamaría-Wheeler & Margarita Vargas-Betancourt.