The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem is one of The New York Public Library’s renowned research libraries. A world-leading cultural institution devoted to the research, preservation, and exhibition of materials focused on African American, African Diasporic, and African experiences, the Schomburg stewards a collection of over 11 million items.
This year, we’re celebrating our 100th anniversary! Join us all year long for a wide array of special events, exhibitions, and more as we celebrate this milestone and continue the legacy of Arturo Schomburg. Learn more.
To learn about the Center’s research divisions, schedule an appointment, or find out about other services, see our resources for researchers.
The Schomburg Shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:45 AM to 5:45 PM. You can also visit online at any time. The Shop sells books, clothing, jewelry, and more created by Black and Brown artists for all ages.
Please visit our Schomburg Tours page to request a free one-hour school field trip, guided group tour, or independent visit.
Please note: Due to new Library policy, e-bikes, e-scooters, and electronic transportation devices are not permitted inside any NYPL location. This does not apply to mobility aids.
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History
In 1925, The New York Public Library opened the Division of Negro Literature, History and Prints—the forerunner to today’s Schomburg Center—as a special collection of the 135th Street Library. The division grew greatly the following year with the purchase of the personal collection of Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, the distinguished Puerto Rican–born Black scholar and bibliophile. Schomburg had spent decades collecting books, manuscripts, and art that illustrated Black contributions to global history.
Today’s Schomburg Center is one of the world’s leading cultural institutions devoted to the preservation and study of materials focused on African American, African Diasporic, and African experiences. Its wide-ranging collections illuminate the richness of global Black history, arts, and culture, and continue the tradition of its namesake.
Become a Member!
The Schomburg Society is made up of donors who are passionate about our mission to celebrate and preserve Black culture and history.
Make your gift today and your membership will be valid through December 31, 2027. That’s 4 extra months of benefits, for free!
Make a monthly gift & get a tote | Make a fully tax-deductible gift
Executive Leadership & NYPL Governance
- Schomburg Center Leadership: Directed by Joy Bivins.
- Overall Governance: Governed by The New York Public Library Board of Trustees, which provides fiduciary and operational oversight across all NYPL research locations and branch systems.
The Schomburg Corporation Board of Trustees
The Schomburg Center works in partnership with The Schomburg Corporation—a non-profit auxiliary organization dedicated to raising funds and supporting the Center’s public programming and collections. Its Board of Trustees officers include:
- President: Cyril Innis, Jr.
- 1st Vice President: Tony Harris
- 2nd Vice President: Makeda Armorer-Wade
- Treasurer: Ty Martin
- Assistant Treasurer: Christie Damis
- Ex-Officio Board Member: Joy Bivins (as Director/Chief of the Schomburg Center)
The Schomburg Corporation is a nonprofit organization that provides support to the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. The major mission of this Corporation includes but is not limited to assisting the Center’s financial efforts, the acquisition, housing and preservation of primary informational data that document the Black experience. The Corporation shall additionally strive to develop, implement and participate in activities that will heighten public awareness about the Center. The mission of the Corporation is and shall always remain compatible with the mission of the Center.
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