Michael Schwartz Library
Michael Schwartz Library
216.687.2478
Early History:
The Dominican Republic and Haiti together make up an island called Hispaniola.
Native to the land where the Arawak and Carib people who had migrated to the Caribbean sometime around 500 A.C.
Colonization occurs sometime after Christopher Columbus landed there in 1492.
Haiti was mainly influenced by the French while the Dominican Republic influenced by the Spaniards. The economy from Haiti would come from an influx of African slave imports to work on sugar cane while the economy for the Republican Dominic came from the settlers from Spain who where left to run the colony.
Modern History:
As a result the Dominican Republic has a stronger history of independence than Haiti. Both of these countries have been in conflict throughout history. The border between the two shifting at different times.
A smooth green plantain based puree that is typically eaten at breakfast. The folklore associated with how this dish got its name surrounds the concept that during the American Invasion era Americans would get prepared this dish and would comment with "man, this is good." And thus "man-gú." This would become the name of the dish as Dominicans did not know what the english comment meant but rather how it sounded. There is also a sweet version of it made with ripe bananas.
A typical local snack, made with cassava and often filled with soft cheese. Can be eaten as is or accompanied by a meal.
A dish made with sweet beans, eaten as a desert. Prepared especially during Lent and Easter. Can be eaten hot, warm or cold.
A typical Haitian dish; so traditional that it is part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List - added in 2021. This is a dish eaten annually on New Year's Day to celebrate Haitian independence. The history behind this dish is one originating during the occupation of Haiti by the French where they had prohibited the Haitian people from eating this dish (considered a delicacy) with the exception of plantation owners and their slaves. So now that this dish is recognized as a typical dish of Haiti this symbolizes a poetic, poignant reversal of what was once a social norm and an example of some of the evil sides that misfortunately present themselves during times of colonization.
A twist on the general fried red snapper fish recipe found in the Caribbean. In the Haitian recipe, an emphasis on citrus is made, with plenty of lime juice. Thyme and Clove are herbs that typically accompany the dish as these are also hallmark stamps of a Haitian dish.
A dessert option which is essentially Haitian gingerbread. The cake is served in small brownie-like slices.
Merengue:
A dance who's origin comes from The Dominican Republic, the style has spread all over the world. Merengue is fast-paced and it is danced to lively music featuring drums and brass. You can identify it by its suggestive lyrics in the music and erotic dance movements.
You are what you wear:
In Dominican Society, appearance is very important as it is used to indicate social standing and the degree of a person's success. Designer labels are looked at favorably especially those form the United States.
Baseball:
By far the most popular sport in The Dominican Republic. Many players from this country have gone on to play for the American MLB (Major League Baseball).
A way of Haitian people communicating that they have a story to tell by initiating the request to tell a story with "Krik" and upon another Haitian person's interest, they would say "Krak" and expect the person who said "Krik" to tell a story. A fairly communal tradition that promotes communication and learning.
The only archeologically preserved museum featuring colonial era historical and military artifacts in the area of Puerto Plata. The fort provides an overlooking view at the Atlantic Ocean.
To the Northern city of Santiago De Los Caballeros, a monument which pays homage to the heroes of the Dominican Restoration War between 1863 and 1865. This monument is the tallest building in the city.
Stands to the north of Haiti, built by King Christophe and declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1982. Together with the Sans Souci palace and the buildings at Ramiers, it forms Haiti's National History Park. There isn't a bigger fortress anywhere in the Western Hemisphere.
One of the Caribbean's best museums, here you can find artifacts such as the anchor from Columbus' Santa Maria.
The language spoken in the Dominican Republic is Spanish.
The languages spoken in Haiti are Haitian Creole and French.
A park that has been the site of several jungle adventure movies. It is known for its many diverse environments from jungle, caves, vines & small crystal pool like lakes which can be traversed/explored through built wooden trails. The Crystal pool like lakes are where the site's name comes from as the pathways lead from pool to pool.
Located in Milot (near the city of Cap-Haïtien), this was the most elaborate of the many homes and palaces built by Haiti's first king, Henri Christophe. The place was heavily damaged by an earthquake in 1842, but the ruins hint at its past glory.