James T. Caulfield and Rafael A. Suarez papers

Dr. Rafael A. Suarez and James T. Caulfield, known as "The Philamigos," traveled throughout South America in the 1950s-1980s, operated a learning center in Philadelphia, and were prominent members of the Philadelphia LGBT community.

Cuban-born Dr. Rafael A. Suarez practiced law for several years, worked as a translator for the United Nations Telecommunications Conference, was a Professor of Languages at the University of Pennsylvania for six years, worked as a translator for the Peace Corps at the University of Vicosa, Brazil, and was a well-known writer, traveler, lecturer, and photographer. As Director of "The Philamigos Institute of Learning" in Philadelphia, he prepared people linguistically for the onrush of foreign tourists expected for the Bicentennial celebrations of 1976.

James T. Caulfield was a native Philadelphian and veteran of the Pacific Campaign of World War II. He found success as a war artist, writer, traveler, lecturer, cameraman and painter. As Assistant Director of "The Philamigos Institute of Learning," he taught art, photography, and languages.

Together, Suarez and Caulfield traveled throughout South America, representing several organizations including the Alumni Association of the University of Pennsylvania, the Pan American Association and the Chamber of Commerce of Philadelphia. The United States State Department extended to them its facilitative services. The main mission of the Philamigos was spreading good will, and they gave talks on the American Way of Life. The Brazilian government commissioned Suarez and Caulfield to make a color documentary about Brazil. During six years of filming, they spent a year in the Amazon and captured footage of, among other subjects, native inhabitants of the rainforest.

Bibliography:

"The Philamigos." Undated, document found in collection.