Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
515 Malcolm X Boulevard (135th St and Malcolm X Blvd)
New York, NY 10037
212-491-2224
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Fully Accessible
Closed today
Division is by appointment only.
Regular Hours
Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division
Day Hours
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 11 AM–5 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–5 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–5 PM
Friday: 11 AM–5 PM
Saturday: 11 AM–5 PM
Sunday: CLOSED
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About the Division

Detail from the painting "The Castle of Morzouk," with palm trees, camels, and people in the foreground, and the castle in the background

The Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division collects, preserves, and makes available for research purposes rare, unique, and primary materials that document the history and culture of people of African descent throughout the world, with a concentration on the Americas and the Caribbean.

Image caption: Detail from "The Castle of Morzouk," 1821. Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, The New York Public Library. Explore more in the Library's Digital Collections.

Visiting the Collection

Can researchers walk in to access the collection?

At this time, we are not offering walk-in access to our collections, but researchers can still access them by appointment. To request an appointment, create a Special Collections Account, click on "Appointments → Make an Appointment," and follow the prompts. 

Are research appointments required to access the collection onsite?

Yes. Please note: Patrons are welcome to enter the Schomburg Center without an appointment to use our general facilities, including lobby seating, permanent exhibition items, restrooms, water fountains, the Schomburg Shop, plus view our exhibitions.

What else do researchers need to know about accessing the collection?

For additional information on conducting research in this division, please view our research guide.  

Who can researchers contact with further questions?

Please email us at schomburgarchives@nypl.org with any additional queries.

 

Learn more about this division

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