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