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Collecting Cuba and Beyond: The Henry Clay & Bock Photographic Albums

Wayne James shares his long journey to acquire the historic photo albums

Join donor and collector Wayne James for a presentation on three rare photographic albums published by the Henry Clay & Bock cigar company. Discover the stories behind these unique visual records of Cuba, Spain, and Latin America. For more information, please contact the branch at 305-643-8574 or specialcollections@mdpls.org. Ages 19 yrs.+

About the Program

In this presentation, collector and donor Wayne James will share the story of his family's connection to a remarkable series of photographic albums produced by the Henry Clay & Bock cigar company in the early twentieth century. Learn about the history and significance of these albums, the culture of tobacco-card collecting, and the thousands of images that document the people, places, and events of Cuba, Spain, and Latin America. James will also discuss the importance of preserving these rare visual records and his decision to donate albums from his collection to the Miami-Dade Public Library System's Special Collections & Archives, ensuring their accessibility for future generations.

About the presenter

Wayne James is a Miami-based entrepreneur, fashion designer, humanitarian, and former Senator of the U.S. Virgin Islands whose career spans more than four decades. Recognized early as a rising talent in New York fashion, he later founded the Homeward Bound Foundation. His work has earned international recognition for both creative achievement and humanitarian service.

About Special Collections 

The Miami-Dade Public Library System’s Special Collections & Archives Division preserves and provides access to rare and historically significant materials for the public and scholarly community. Its diverse holdings include the Helen Muir Florida Collection, the 16mm Film Collection, the Cuban Collection of Rare Books & Ephemera, the Genealogy Collection, and rare and antiquarian books dating back to the 17th century. The Division also manages the Library’s Permanent Art Collection, which features over 7,000 works displayed across library locations, and The Vasari Project, dedicated to documenting Miami-Dade County’s art history since 1945. Committed to accessibility, it offers materials for viewing and research both in person and online through the Digital Collection, which includes more than 40 freely accessible collections, featuring materials from the Library as well as contributions from outside collaborators and partner institutions. Spanning rare books, manuscripts, photographs, prints, paintings, sculptures, artifacts, audiovisual resources, and electronic media, these collections ensure that Miami-Dade County’s rich history, artistic legacy, and cultural heritage remain available to all.

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