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Pandero (Drum)
The pandero is a percussion instrument that is a member of the Membranophone family. The pandero is a very popular instrument, and it is very significant throughout Latin America but it is especially important in Puerto Rico. In my research, I found…
Dance Outfit
The Bomba and the Plena are important musical traditions in Puerto Rico. The Bomba and the Plena are two different music styles; however, it is common to refer to it together because of the similarities they share. The Bomba is of African origin and…
Photograph of the Bomba Dance Outfit
A photograph of Luz Rodriguez and her dance partner getting ready to perform. Luz is wearing La Blusa y Falda outfit also included in the collection.
Photographs of Awilda Saavedra Reasco's wedding and of her daughter's First Communion.
These two photos were brought to the history harvest by Awilda Saavedra Reasco. The larger photo is of her wedding 29 years ago in 1988, and the smaller photo is of her daughter receiving her first communion in 2001 or 2002. Both occurred at St.…
Rosary Pin
Contributor, and St. Mary parishioner, Ines Mojica, brought in a beautiful and ornate Rosary Pin that was a gift from her dear friend, Aglae Luciano. Aglae, who passed about a month ago, brought the pin as a gift from Puerto Rico…
Commemorative Ring from the United States Army
This commemorative ring was given to the contributor for his service in the United States Army. As an Infantryman, he received this ring for his service during the Vietnam War. The ring is 1 inch in diameter, metal and gold in color except for a…
Coffee Grinder
The coffee grinder is from Puerto Rico. The coffee grinder is roughly 40 years old and it originally belonged to Irina’s grandmother. The coffee grinder is the final step in the process to make coffee. First, the children would pick the red coffee…
Mate-Tea Set
The tea set is roughly 30-50 years old and belongs to Irina’s husband. The tea set is from Argentina and it is used to make yerba mate which is a traditional Argentinian tea. Drinking mate is a social activity among family members in a household and…
Güiro
A Güiro is an instrument used in traditional Puerto Rican music. It is a notched hollowed-out gourd, which produces music by dragging a wooden stick-like object, commonly known as a scrapper, or more formally called a “pua,” on the rigids on the…
Taino Sun Cemi Necklace
Description:This object is a necklace, and originally the decoration on the front would have been carved into a rock or painted or drawn on a cave wall. In recent history, the Cemi symbols have been used as decorative pieces to represent the…
Framed Jesus Christ Calendar Print
This item is a framed calendar print depicting Jesus Christ. Said print originated as part of a calendar manufactured in Añasco, Puerto Rico. Such religious iconography remained a common household item in many Puerto Rican Catholic items. Although…
El Flamboyán, or "Flame Tree"
This beautiful canvas of “El flamboyan” was brought in by a New Britain local and although it is not the native tree, it’s one of the most beautiful and recognizable trees across the island. This beautiful and umbrella like tree originated in…
Güirro
The Güirro, is a musical instrument that originated from Puerto Rico. It is made from a fruit called the Iguerra. The instrument is a notched hollowed-out gourd, and was traditionally used by the Taino. The Güirro is used during many different…
Church Scrapbook
This collection contains reproduced photographs and pamphlets pertaining to the Latino immigrant community in New Britain. Collected by Nancy Figueroa-Rodriguez, who was involved in the community for many years, items include a newspaper clipping,…
History Harvest 2017 Interview with Manuel Reyes
An interview with Manuel Reyes during the 2017 History Harvest in New Britain. Manuel provides contextual background to the items he brought to the Harvest.