Puerto Rican Genealogy/Hispanic Genealogy
Before embarking on a search for your ancestors from Puerto Rico, it is very important to have a good background in the history and culture of Puerto Rico. Most birth, marriage and death records are kept at the local or town level so it is crucial to know the town(s) your ancestors came from. Additionally, it is important to know that the Catholic Church played a large role in Puerto Rican Society. Church records, also kept at the local level, provide valuable information about baptisms, marriages, First Communions, Confirmations, etc. A solid understanding of the roots of Hispanic surnames or family names is necessary because on official records, both the maternal and paternal surnames were used. Having an understanding of these names will help in the record deciphering process. Below is a list of books that cover much of the background understanding that will aid in a successful genealogy search. There are also a number of websites which are great sources for searching records and all of the websites listed below have detailed explanations and directions about how to best go about a search.
Image source: http://robertospuertorico.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PR-Topo-1886-with-regions-in-color-225.jpg
Coming out of the dark..puerto rican genealogy site. Compiled 2019
Historical Resourcespuerto Rican Genealogy History
Image source: http://robertospuertorico.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PR-Topo-1886-with-regions-in-color-225.jpg
Coming out of the dark..puerto rican genealogy site. Compiled 2019
Historical Resourcespuerto Rican Genealogy History
Historical Resourcespuerto Rican Genealogy Sites
Our mission is to help all researchers make genealogical and historical discoveries. ArchivesPuertoRico.com provides search services to anyone seeking genealogical, ancestral and/or historical information specific to Puerto Rico. We collect, preserve and deliver historical and genealogical information and records. Puerto Rico is a commonwealth and territory of the United States after the Spanish American War of 1898. Puerto Ricans are natural-born citizens of the United States. Ancestry.com has made available the Puerto Rico Civil Records after 1885 as well as the census from 1910, 1920, 1930, 1935, and 1940 under US census rules.
