About hamoc
What is hamoc
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.
Founder/president
Elsie Hernandez
Originally from Haiti, Elsie has a strong sense of attachment to her place of birth. It’s her love for Haiti that prompted her to open the Haitian American Museum of Chicago. Her passion for Haiti and its rich culture is contagious and follows her everywhere she goes. Elsie has an extensive background as an educator, nurse, civil leader and scholar.
eXECUTIVE dIRECTOR
Carlos Bossard
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.
MEMBERS AND STAFF
Executive Members
Elsie Hector Hernandez
President/City Colleges of Chicago
Dr. Brenda Jones
Treasurer/City Colleges of Chicago
Daniel Hernandez
Director/Fayo Bilingual Institute
Carla Carr
Director/Olive-Harvey College
Carlinthia Cox
Director/Dominican Sisters of Hope
Steve Bernin
Director/Self Employed
Advisory Members
Jean Herbert Danier
Webmaster
Luckner Jean
Adjunct faculty
Cesar Ramirez Lopez
Past Program Manager
Damian Lewandowski
CPA
Nathaniel Holcomb
Attorney
Natasha Phicil
Social Media and Marketing
Sandra McCollum
Education Program Liaison
Amanda Sexton
Tech Specialist
Professional Members
Chicago Cultural Alliance
Coalition of Haitian American Organizations in the Chicagoland Area
Uptown Chamber of Commerce
Interns and Volunteers
Romeo Hernandez
Curator and Installer
Benjamin Henderson
Educator/Grant Writer
Jean Yves Hector
Artist in Residence
Dr. Cranston Knight
Historian/Lecturer
Luis Limardo
Illustrator
Eve Mangurten
Collection Specialist/Librarian
Emma Degroot
Community and Communications Intern
Ana Racines
Administrative Assistant/Social Media and Marketing
Michael Harris
Kenna Ladendorf