Si, se puede!
Exploring Hispanic Roots Through Family History Research
Sue Polanka

Dr. George Ryskamp, an assistant professor of history at Brigham Young University, accredited genealogist and probate lawyer, introduced Texas librarians and genealogists to the abundant resources available for Hispanic family research during a series of workshops held across Texas this summer. Sponsored by the Library Development Division of the Texas State Library, the workshops were held in Corpus Christi, Richmond, San Antonio, and Dallas.

If the workshop had a theme it would be "Sí, se puede—Yes, You Can," Ryskamp said. This theme reflects the ability for researchers to conduct Hispanic family research in the U.S. and abroad using sources dating back to the 1500s. Ryskamp said that Hispanic records are some of the best records in the world and stressed the quality and quantity of Hispanic records available, including parish, notarial, military, and governmental records. Not only are records available from such early dates in history, but the records contain an abundance of information. Many church and government records contain parents’ and grandparents’ names, addresses, and, in some records, even detailed descriptions of family belongings and style of living.

In addition to discussing the resources available, Ryskamp outlined the library’s role in genealogical research, differences between an archive and a library, the different types of archives in Latin American countries, rules of genealogical research, the steps of the research process, and the genealogical databases available from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS).

Libraries can play a major role in researching all types of genealogy, including Hispanic family history. Ryskamp described the two types of libraries that exist for the Hispanic genealogist. The first is the reference center library. This type of library contains basic research materials—indexes, maps, gazetteers, and archival guides—which are all classified as secondary research materials. These items are good starting points for researchers. Materials for reference center library collections can be purchased for as little as $200. Because the collections will be small, much of the actual research will be accomplished using records retrieved through interlibrary loan or through the LDS Family History Centers (FHC). Most Texas public libraries with genealogy collections focusing on Hispanic research are considered reference center libraries. Ryskamp divided these libraries into three types:

1. Libraries that contain the basic guidebooks and books on how to get started (mostly small libraries with very small collections).

2. Libraries with the basic guidebooks as well as guidebooks focused on northern Mexico and some of Spain.

3. Libraries that have many of the archival guides as well as inventories and catalogs from archival collections in Spain and Mexico. These libraries—usually large public and academic libraries—have sufficient materials to prepare the genealogist for the more advanced stages of research.

The second type of library is the research center library, which typically contains not only an extensive collection of secondary level guidebooks and indexes, but also many original sources, the key to the research center library collection. Many of these original sources are available on microfilm or microfiche and can cost thousands of dollars to maintain. Most collections of this size are located in larger institutions. Some popular research centers for Hispanic genealogy in Texas are UT- Pan American, the Benson Latin American Collection at The University of Texas at Austin, San Antonio Public Library, and the Family History Center (FHC) collections at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which are located all over the state.

In explaining the differences between a library and an archive, Ryskamp reminded the audience that libraries generally contain secondary sources written to teach or expand knowledge. These are cataloged and accessible by searching the library catalog by an author’s name, title, subject, or other more advanced searches. Archives contain original records, documents, and items generated by an institution, either government or church, as part of its normal functions. These usually have different methods of arrangement and access. For an archive there are three different levels of access materials. The first is the guidebook or a guide to the archive. These guides provide a general road map or a walk through the collection and explain what is available. The second level is the inventory. The inventory is a list and general description of each box or file available in the archives or a section of it. The third level is the index, giving name-by-name access to documents found in the inventory.

There are many archives in the U.S. and abroad. For Hispanic family research, genealogists will want to take advantage of the many archives in Spain and Latin America. Ryskamp stated that there are two types of archives in Latin American countries, governmental and ecclesiastical. In Spain and Latin America there will be three levels of governmental archives: national archives, state or provincial archives, and local or municipal archives. The governmental archives contain original records of births, deaths, deeds, land purchases, notarial records, and military records. Guides are available for many of the archives in Spain and Latin America.

Most ecclesiastical archives in Spain and Latin America are the Catholic Church archives. Since a majority of Hispanics are Catholic, the ecclesiastical archives will play a major role in family research. The Catholic Church archives are made up of bishop or diocesan archives and parish archives. Most researchers will start their work in the parish archives where each Catholic church maintains records of baptisms, marriages, deaths, and other religious records of the parishioners. The diocesan archives contain records of marriage dispensations, clergy ordinations, and other Catholic records for a community made up of many local parishes that are presided over by a bishop.

Regardless of whether the researcher goes to a library or archive, there are basic rules of research and steps in the research process that should be followed to facilitate the accurate collection of historical records and data. Ryskamp has four rules of research for any type of genealogist:

1. Start with the known, not the unknown.

2. Prefer primary, original sources over secondary sources.

3. Prefer written over oral sources. Do not discount the oral sources, simply prefer the written. There may be a kernel of truth in the oral source that will lead you to written records.

4. Search broadly for entire families. Family research is not a race to the finish; take the time needed, and keep detailed notes which include records of all sources that have been searched.

Ryskamp follows a particular research process when conducting family history research. He first conducts a preliminary survey by attempting to find out what others know. This preliminary survey involves four major steps: searching home and family sources, interviewing family members, searching the LDS indexes and databases, and searching for family histories, biographies, and other printed and published materials. Once the preliminary survey is complete, Ryskamp suggests examining, organizing, and evaluating the data obtained. Now the genealogist can determine the research objectives and develop a work plan. These first three steps can be completed in a reference center library as much of the research is done at home or through guidebooks and databases available at reference center libraries.

The next two steps of the research process involve searching for data in original sources and analyzing the data found. These two steps require primary or original sources and will therefore need to be completed in a larger research center library or archival collections.

The preliminary survey is a very important part of the research process. Searching the home and family sources is a vital first step and can involve sources such as old photographs, vital records, passports, legal papers, old letters, newspaper clippings, naturalization papers, family Bibles, school records, and more. One unique feature for Hispanics who lived in Spain, Mexico, and other Latin American countries is the national identity record. This document was required of all citizens of most Hispanic countries back to the early 20th century. Hispanics did not leave home without this document as they had to produce it for any governmental official who asked for it. Some of the workshop participants stated that they still have their national identity records.

Interviewing family members can lead to a gold mine of information. This is a vital part of research as the stories from family members are generally not written down. Ryskamp suggests video or audio taping interviews with family members in order to maintain a more permanent record. Remember to verify all information received orally with written sources.

The LDS Church maintains many databases for all types of genealogical research. The databases can be accessed at any local Family History Center, the Church of Latter Day Saints in Utah, and some public libraries. The databases are maintained for church needs but are open to all faiths and people. Thirteen percent of the records found in the LDS databases are from Hispanic families. FamilySearch is a computerized system of genealogical information which can be accessed through the LDS Family History Centers and other locations around the world. This system contains the Ancestral File, which is one of the first sources that genealogists should check. This file will enable a researcher to check for information on one’s ancestry, family group records, pedigree charts, or find information on an individual. The Family History Library Catalog (FHLC), another LDS database, lists and describes the records, books, microfiche, and nearly 2 million rolls of microfilm, available in the Family History Library. The FHLC gives users an identification number for each item in the collection and enables users to request microfiche copies of the items from the Church of Latter Day Saints in Utah. The last LDS database is the International Genealogical Index (IGI) which lists over 240 million names of deceased persons around the world (about 12 percent from Latin America). Many of the names come from vital records as far back as the 1500s. Librarians and genealogists should consult these databases as the next step of the preliminary survey in the research process.

Searching the Internet, library online catalogs, the Family History Library Catalog, and OCLC’s WorldCat are ways to locate family biographies, histories, or other printed materials on family names. Ryskamp also suggests looking in published guidebooks for indexes to family histories. One example is Lyman Platt’s book, Latin American Family Histories.

Librarians and genealogists researching Hispanic family history will want to order this book or borrow it through interlibrary loan.

When searching for family histories, it is important to keep in mind some basic facts regarding the Hispanic surname. Most Hispanic women continue to use their given surname throughout life and therefore may not be listed under a husband’s name. Many Hispanic people have a double surname, the first being the father’s and the second being the mother’s. Many families that immigrated to the United States switched the two surnames upon arriving, thereby making the first surname the mother’s and the second surname the father’s. This can lead to difficulties in searching through family records. When searching for family names with a double surname, always search under the first part of the surname.

Searching for Hispanic family history research is likely to be more fruitful than searching for Anglo-American family histories. Ryskamp demonstrated and discussed many ways to find quality historical records and information in libraries, archives, and religious organizations in the U.S. and abroad. The available records are not only quality records, containing detailed family information, but are also available in the quantities needed to support family history research. In fact, many governmental records in colonial Spain and Mexico are available in triplicate. No matter what the Hispanic family roots are, it is important to follow the rules of research recommended by Ryskamp to insure the best possible results.

For more information on this workshop, or for copies of the handouts, please contact Sue Polanka at the Texas State Library at 512/463-6623 or by email at sue.polanka@tsl. state.tx.us. If you have detailed research questions on Hispanic family history research, please direct them to Dr. George Ryskamp, Brigham Young University, 334 KMB, Provo, Utah 84602, ryskamp@byu.edu.

Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints Family History Centers in Texas

Abilene: 3325 North 12th Street, 915/673-8836
Amarillo: 5401 Bell Street, 806/353-4796
Austin: 1000 East Rutherford, 512/837-3626
Bryan: 1200 Barak Lane, 409/846-7929
Corpus Christi: 6750 Woodridge Road, 512/993-2970
Dallas: 10701 Lake Highlands Drive, 214/349-0730
Denton: 1801 Malone, 940/387-3065
Duncanville: 1019 Big Stone Gap, 214/709-0066
El Paso: 3651 Douglas Avenue, 915/565-9711
Fort Worth: 5001 Altamesa Blvd., 817/292-8393
Friendswood: 505 Deseret, 281/996-9346
Harlingen: 2320 Haine Drive (no phone listed)
Houston: 10555 Mills Road, 281/890-7434; 1101 Bering Drive, 713/785-2105; 4202 Yellowstone, 713/487-1409; 16331 Hafer Road, 281/893-5381
Killeen: 1410 South 2nd Street, 254/526-2918
Kingwood: 4021 Deerbrook, 281/360-1263
Longview: 1700 Blueridge Parkway, 903/759-7911
Lubbock: 3211 58th Street, 806/792-5040
McAllen: 2nd Street La Vista, 956/682-0051
Odessa: 2011 North Washington, 915/332-9221
Orange: 6108 Hazelwood, (no phone listed)
Plano: 2700 Roundrock, 972/867-6479
Port Arthur: 3939 Turtle Creek Drive, 409/722-4997
Richland Hills: 4401 NE Loop 820, 817/284-4472
San Antonio: 2103 St. Cloud, 512/736-2940
Sugarland: 602 Eldridge Road, 281/240-1524

Bookstores in the U.S., Mexico, and Spain specializing in materials helpful to Hispanic genealogy research

Librería Archivo General de La Nación
Eduardo Molina y Albaniles
Col. Penitenciaria Ampliación
15350 Mexico, D.F.
(for Mexican Archival books)

Borderlands Bookstore
P.O. Box 28497
San Antonio, Texas 78228
210/432-6043
(Mail order only; George Farias, owner)

Biblio Librería
Biblioteca Nacional
Paseo de Recoletos, 20l
28010 Madrid, Spain
(for Spanish Archives books)

Marcial Pons Librería
Humanidades y Ciencias Sociales
Pl. Conde del Valle de Suchil, 8
28015 Madrid, Spain
(Source for out-of-print and harder-to-find titles. They have a monthly newsletter with new and used titles about history and law.)

Resistencia Bookstore
2210-B S. 1st Street
Austin, Texas 78704
512/416-8885

Hidalguia Editorial
Aniceto Marinas 114
Madrid, Spain

Hispanic Genealogical Resources for Public Libraries Recommended by George R. Ryskamp

Barnes, Thomas C., Thomas H. Naylor, and Charles W. Polzer. Northern New Spain: A Research Guide. Tucson: Univ. of Arizona Press, 1981.

Beers, Henry Putney. Spanish and Mexican Records of the American Southwest. Tucson: Univ. of Arizona Press, 1979.

Fuentes principales genealógicos (Series H), Salt Lake City: Genealogical Department, 1973.

García de Miranda, Enriqueta, and Zaida Falcón de Gyves. Nuevo atlas Porrúa de la República Mexicana. Mexico City: Porrúa, 1989.

Gerhard, Peter. Geografía histórica de la Nueva España, 1519–1821. Mexico City: Univ. Nacional Autónoma de México, 1986.

Gerhard, Peter. The North Frontier of New Spain. Norman: Univ. of Oklahoma Press, 1982.

Gerhard, Peter. The Southeast Frontier of New Spain. Norman: Univ. of Oklahoma Press, 1993.

A Guide to the Historical Geography of New Spain. Cambridge: Cambridge Univ. Press, 1972.

"Latin American and Iberian Family and Local History." World Conference on Records, Volume 9. Salt Lake City: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1980.

Nuevo atlas de España. Madrid: Aguilar, 1961.

Oficina General de Información y Estadística de la Iglesia en España. Guía de la Iglesia en España. Madrid, 1954.

Platt, Lyman De. A Genealogical Historical Guide to Latin America. Detroit: Gale Publishing Co., 1978.

Platt, Lyman De. Guide to Mexican Ecclesiastical Divisions. Salt Lake City: Instituto Genealógico e Histórico Latino-americano, 1991.

Platt, Lyman De. Hispanic Surnames and Family History. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1996.

Platt, Lyman De. Latin American Census Records. Salt Lake City: Instituto Genealógico e Histórico Latinoamericano, 1987.

Platt, Lyman De. México: guía general: divisiones ecle-siásticas. Salt Lake City: Instituto Genealógico e Histórico Latinoamericano, 1989.

Robinson, D. J. Research Inventory of the Mexican Collection of Colonial Parish Registers. Salt Lake City: Univ. of Utah Press, 1980.

Ryskamp, George R. Finding Your Hispanic Roots. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1997.

Spanish Records Extraction. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1981.

Szucs, Loreto, and Sandra Luebking, eds. The Source. 2nd edition. Salt Lake City: Ancestry Publishing Co., 1995.