This cultural heritage resource guide has been prepared as a tool for teachers to help them understand the cultural heritage of Dominican students and their communities. The Dominican Republic, which occupies two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, has a long history dominated by the struggle for independence. In their efforts to create a better life, many Dominicans have left the Dominican Republic to come to the larger cities of the United States, particularly New York, where the Dominican community has established a variety of organizations to support them in their goals. This guide discusses the history, characteristics, and contributions of Dominicans in the United States in the following sections: (1) "The Dominicans in the United States"; (2) "The Aborigines"; (3) "The Spanish Colonization"; (4) "The Introduction of the Africans"; (5) "The 'Espana Boba' and the 'Ephemeral Independence'"; (6) "The Haitian Occupation"; (7) "Independence and the Rise of Dominican Nationalism"; (8) "From the Spanish Annexation to the Restoration"; (9) "North American Occupation"; (10) "The Trujillo Era"; (11) "Dominican Culture"; (12) "Famous Dominican Men and Women"; (13) "National Symbols"; and (14) "Resources for Teachers." A 26-item bibliography is included. (SLD)