HAMOC’s mission is to promote and preserve Haitian art, culture, history, and community in Chicago and beyond. Founded by Elsie Hector Hernandez, a native of Haiti, HAMOC was established to highlight the vibrancy of Haitian heritage through exhibitions, educational programming, and community engagement.
First conceived in 2012, the museum began in a small 500-square-foot storefront in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, one of the most diverse communities in the city.
Grand opening of the permanent home for HAMOC in 2026.
Then, in 2022, HAMOC moved to a larger space as part of the visionary Free To Be Village initiative led by Jackie Taylor, Founder and CEO of the Black Ensemble Theater and also an advisory board member of HAMOC.
This move allowed HAMOC to expand its programs and exhibitions while showcasing more of the unique Haitian-specific collection, which includes more than 800 artworks and artifacts.
In November 2025, HAMOC purchased its permanent home, just a few blocks from its previous location, and reopened to the public in March of this year. This milestone represents more than the acquisition of a building – it is an investment in the longevity, visibility, and sustainability of Chicago’s Haitian community.
HAMOC is more than a museum; it is a proactive member of the community.
In collaboration with the City of Chicago Legal Protection Fund, Illinois Access to Justice, and The Resurrection Project, the museum provides legal immigration resources, referrals to immigration attorneys, and Know Your Rights presentations. HAMOC assists individuals seeking support with Temporary Protected Status, Asylum, DACA, citizenship, interpretation, translation, and much more.
HAMOC is proud to offer these much-needed services and help connect community members with critical resources.
We believe in the power of art to connect people. Our permanent exhibitions explore the Haitian Revolution and everyday life in Haiti through interactive displays that encourage visitors to engage with the artwork and reflect on their own cultural heritage.
We also honor influential figures within the Haitian community and celebrate Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, the first non-Indigenous founder of Chicago and a Haitian man.
One of the highlights of our permanent home is our temporary exhibition space, where Haitian and local artists can showcase their work free of charge. This commitment ensures greater accessibility and support for artists from Haiti and the Diaspora.
Most recently, HAMOC presented a special exhibition celebrating Haiti’s participation in the 2026 World Cup and the history of Haitian soccer in Chicago. Curated by Erlin Geffrard, a member of our Advisory Board, the exhibition featured memorabilia and original artworks that offered a unique glimpse into the rich soccer culture of Chicago’s Haitian community.
As HAMOC continues to grow, we remain deeply committed to our mission to promote and preserve Haitian art, culture, history, and community in Chicago and beyond.
Whether you are a longtime supporter or a first-time visitor, I invite you to explore the richness of Haitian history, art, and community with us.
Our doors are open, and we look forward to welcoming you!
