Genealogy at A Glance: Mexican Genealogy Research

Review by JoAnn Valentin, Community Outreach, HOGAR de Dallas

Genealogy at A Glance publications offer a series of fact sheets designed to allow family historians a quick understanding of the fundamentals of genealogy. A publication by Debbie Gurtler, AG, “Genealogy at A Glance: Mexican Genealogy Research”, lays out all the basic elements of Mexican family history research in an easy-to-use format. The first section offers “Quick Facts and Important Dates” to help the researcher focus on the historical timeline, allowing for a broader perspective of the lives of their ancestors.

Genealogy at A Glance publications offer a series of fact sheets designed to allow family historians a quick understanding of the fundamentals of genealogy. A publication by Debbie Gurtler, AG, “Genealogy at A Glance: Mexican Genealogy Research” lays out all the basic elements of Mexican family history research in an easy-to-use format.

The first section offers “Quick Facts and Important Dates” to help the researcher focus on the historical time period allowing for a broader prospective of the lives of their ancestors.

The next topic covers the valuable clues offered in Hispanic naming traditions. This is a brief description, and does not mention that it was common in the Spanish Colonial era to use the surname of a maternal grandparent or great-grandparent. This decision was usually motivated by the status associated with the surname.

After a brief description of the jurisdictional background of Mexico, Ms. Gurtler describes the four major record sources: civil registration records, Catholic parish records, census records, and immigration records. Most important of these is the detailed description of the Catholic Parish Marriage Records and dispensations. Many researchers are unaware of the treasures of information that these records offer, since before a dispensation was granted, extensive genealogical information was submitted for approval. Ms. Gurtler provides some excellent sources on where to research these records.

Also included is a list of online resources and some useful supplementary record sources and language aides.

For those who are just starting out on their genealogy journey, or have been at it for years, this publication provides an opportunity to learn and grow as a researcher.

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