about us
Founded in 2012, The Haitian American Museum of Chicago (HAMOC) is the realization of a dream by its co-founder, Elsie Hernandez, to create an institution that would hold programs and exhibits that will contribute to the rich multicultural tapestry that is Chicago. Since 2012 the museum has hosted a wide array of programs and exhibits showcasing Haiti’s rich culture and art as well as its complex history. We invite you to enjoy our changing exhibits, attend virtual and in-person programs, and safely visit to the museum.
Mission Statement
Programs/Initiatives
Staff Members
MISSION STATEMENT
The Haitian American Museum of Chicago (HAMOC)’s mission is to promote and preserve Haitian art, culture, history and community in Chicago and beyond.
PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES
UPTOWN WORKS
Uptown Works is a series of community-driven small group conversations based on issues impacting the Uptown community.
Spotlight Program
The Spotlight Program is an initiative to bring local artists out into the public view by showcasing their work and what they have accomplished. HAMOC celebrates artists from around the world, but this project is one of the ways we celebrate the community in Chicago.
Rasin Program
“Rasin” which translates to “roots” in Kreyòl is a program aimed to celebrate the success of resident Haitian artists both locally and from Haiti at HAMOC. The program’s main purpose is to help support art by Haitian artists by providing them with a space where their work can be showcased, and with clientele who have and interest in their pieces
Kompa Sware
Kompa is a modern meringue musical genre in Haiti with European and African roots. Nemours Jean-Baptiste popularized the genre following the 1955 creation of the band Conjunto International. People from all backgrounds are invited to join the museum in a Haitian celebration with music, cuisine and dance.
STAFF MEMBERS
Elsie Hernandez
Founder/President
Contributions from donors like you make it possible for the Haitian Museum of Chicago to continue presenting the very best of Haitian art and culture. These gifts also allow us to deliver high-quality educational programming that promotes Haiti’s art, culture and history to individuals of all ages.
Carlos Bossard
Executive Director
Originally from Roseville, Minnesota, Carlos earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from the Art Institutes International Minnesota in 2017. After working in commercial photography, he moved to Chicago to further his education. Carlos graduated in May 2020 with a Master of Arts in Museum and Exhibition Studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago. His Capstone Project focused on creating more diverse and inclusive museum practices and highlighted HAMOC as a museum excelling in the field. Carlos’ passion for the institution will ensure the museum continues to be a key voice for the Haitian society in the United States and the world.
EXECUTIVE MEMBERS
Elsie Hector Hernandez
Executive Director
Dr. Brenda Jones
Treasurer
Carla Carr
Director
Daniel Hernandez
Director
Steve Bernin
Director
Fabrice Chavannes
Director
ADVISORY MEMBERS
Jean Herbert Danier
Webmaster
Luckner Jean
Adjunct Faculty
Sandra McCollum
Education Program Liaison
Cesar Ramirez Lopez
Past Program Manager
Natasha Phicil
Social Media and Marketing
Damian Lewandowski
CPA
Nathaniel Holcomb
Attorney
Amanda Sexton
Tech Specialist
Jackie Taylor
Founder & CEO of the Black Ensemble Theater Company
INTERNS & VOLUNTEERS
Romeo Hernandez
Curator and Installer
Benjamin Henderson
Educator/Grant WriterAdjunct Faculty
Michael Harris
Jean Yves Hector
Artist in Residence
Dr. Cranston Knight
Historian/Lecturer
Kenna Ladendorf
Luis Limardo
Illustrator
Amanda Sexton
Tech Specialist
Eve Mangurten
Collection Specialist/Librarian