# Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños

> latin Research institute in US

**Wikidata**: [Q17515347](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q17515347)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centro_de_Estudios_Puertorriqueños)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/centro-de-estudios-puertorriquenos

## Summary
The Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, commonly known as CENTRO, is a research institute, library, and archives located in the United States. Founded in 1973 by Frank Bonilla, it is dedicated to the field of Latin American studies with a specific focus on the Puerto Rican experience. The organization is currently based at Hunter College in New York.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name:** Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College; Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños.
- **Short Name:** CENTRO.
- **Also Known As:** Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College, El Centro, Center for Puerto Rican Studies and Research at the City University Graduate Center, Center for Puerto Rican Studies at City University of New York, Center for Puerto Rican Studies (CENTRO).
- **Founding:** Founded in 1973 by Frank Bonilla.
- **Location:**
    - Current: Hunter College (since 1983).
    - Former: CUNY Graduate School and University Center (1973 – 1983).
- **Type of Organization:** Instance of a research institute, library, and archives.
- **Field of Work:** Latin American studies.
- **Area of Interest:** Puerto Ricans.
- **Membership:** Member of the Inter-University Program for Latino Research.
- **Library Identifiers:** Library of Congress Authority ID (n88041409), VIAF ID (138869824), National Library of Israel J9U ID (987007601476005171).
- **Digital Identifiers:** Freebase ID (/m/011dztdm), YouTube Channel ID (UCjrPMQdbCG8iPuROgUrwdvg), Bluesky Handle (centropr.blsky.social), Facebook (centropr).

## FAQs
### Q: Where has the Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños been located?
A: The organization was originally based at the CUNY Graduate School and University Center starting in 1973. It relocated to Hunter College in 1983, where it remains currently.

### Q: What are the primary functions of CENTRO?
A: It operates simultaneously as a research institute, a library, and an archives. Its work is dedicated to the field of Latin American studies, with a specific research interest in Puerto Ricans.

### Q: Who founded the institute and when?
A: The Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños was founded in 1973 by Frank Bonilla.

### Q: Is the organization part of any larger research networks?
A: Yes, it is a member of the Inter-University Program for Latino Research.

## Why It Matters
The Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños serves as a unique hub for scholarship and preservation regarding the Puerto Rican experience within the United States. By integrating the functions of a research institute, a library, and an archives, it provides a comprehensive infrastructure for studying and documenting the history, culture, and social realities of Puerto Ricans. As a member of the Inter-University Program for Latino Research, it contributes to broader academic discourse and collaborative research efforts in the field of Latino studies. Its existence ensures that resources specific to the Puerto Rican community are maintained and accessible for researchers and the public.

## Notable For
- Operating as a hybrid entity that combines the roles of a research institute, a library, and an archives.
- Maintaining a specific research interest in Puerto Ricans within the wider discipline of Latin American studies.
- Being founded by Frank Bonilla, a notable figure in the field.
- Having a historical connection to both the CUNY Graduate School and University Center and Hunter College.

## Body

### Organizational Identity
The Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños is widely recognized by its short name, CENTRO, and operates officially as the Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College. It is classified formally as an instance of a research institute, a library, and an archives. This multi-faceted classification allows the organization to conduct systematic investigation while simultaneously preserving historical records and library resources.

The organization has held several official and unofficial names throughout its history, including:
- Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College
- Center for Puerto Rican Studies and Research at the City University Graduate Center
- Center for Puerto Rican Studies at City University of New York
- El Centro

### History and Location
The institute was established in 1973 by founder Frank Bonilla. Its operations have been based in two primary locations within the CUNY system:
- **1973 to 1983:** Located at the CUNY Graduate School and University Center.
- **1983 to Present:** Relocated to Hunter College.

### Research and Academic Focus
CENTRO is deeply embedded in the field of Latin American studies. Unlike broader research institutes, it holds a specific "interested in" relationship with the subject of Puerto Ricans, focusing its research and archival efforts on this demographic. It is also a member of the Inter-University Program for Latino Research, signifying its active participation in collaborative academic initiatives.

### Digital Presence
The organization maintains a modern digital footprint across various platforms:
- **YouTube:** Operates the channel "Center for Puerto Rican Studies (CENTRO)" (ID: UCjrPMQdbCG8iPuROgUrwdvg), which was started on April 27, 2009.
- **Social Media:** Maintains a presence on Bluesky (centropr.blsky.social) and Facebook (centropr).

### Cataloging and Identifiers
The organization is indexed by numerous international and library authority systems:
- **Library of Congress Authority ID:** n88041409
- **VIAF ID:** 138869824
- **National Library of Israel J9U ID:** 987007601476005171
- **Freebase ID:** /m/011dztdm

## References

1. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File