31 December 2011

December 2011 New Mexico Genealogist to be mailed out January 5th

Earlier this month, I erroneously made an announcement that the December 2011 New Mexico Genelaogist was to be mailed on January 7th. It is actually going to be mailed out on Thursday, January 5, 2012. Sorry for the confusion.

30 December 2011

Beyond Origins of New Mexico Families

Many of you may know about the former website "Beyond Origins of New Mexico Families". On this website Jose Antonio Esquibel and other genealogists posted articles that corrected mistakes and expanded genealogies from Fray Angelico Chavez's work "Origins of New Mexico Families". However, this website disappeared from the web some time ago and genealogists dispaired.

Well it's time to rejoice! The New Mexico Office of State Historian website appears to contain all of the articles. Click on this link, click on "people" and then click on "names" (it is one of the circles that you find on the left-hand side of the page.) You should then see a list of names. Click on the name that you wish to read and enjoy!

Link.

23 December 2011

December 2011 New Mexico Genealogist mailed in January

To members of the New Mexico Genealogical Society:

There will be a slight delay in the mailing of the December 2011 issue of the New Mexico Genealogist. It will be mailed on Thursday, January 5, 2012.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Robert Baca
President, New Mexico Genealogical Society

22 December 2011

LAN at Albuquerque genealogy library

The genealogy library on the second floor of the Albuquerque Main Library has a LAN system. This database includes many different items. Below are just a few of those items.

The Albuquerque Main Library is located at 501 Copper Ave. NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico. For more information, click on this link or call the library at 505-768-5170 and ask for the genealogy collections.

WHAT CAN YOU FIND ON OUR LAN?


1. AGS Pedigree Searches

2. NMGS Pedigree Charts

3. New Mexico Ancestors

4. New Mexico Combined Index

5. New Mexico 1960 Phone Books

6. 1941-1949 Death Certificates

7. Journal Indexes

8. From many other states, you may even find:

a. Cemetery Records

b. Marriage Records

c. Tax Records

d. Will Books

e. Naturalization Records

9. Obituaries

a. Albuquerque Journal Obituaries

b. 2005-2007 Obituaries

10. The ANI Map

…and lots more…

PLUS AN ON-LINE TUTORIAL IF YOU NEED HELP GETTING STARTED

1598 New Mexico Blog

Any of you out there who know Henrietta Martinez Christmas know that she is probably one of the best ... darn ... New Mexico genealogist out there. She is also a ... darn ... good historian, too. Well, she's sharing her research on the 1598 New Mexico Blog. She's already posted a few articles on her blog, and their good.

Anyhow, Henrietta is a constant workhorse. She's published a number of books, many, many articles, been on the boards of the Hispanic Genealogical Research Center, Historical Society of New Mexico, and the New Mexico Genealogical Society. I tapped her last year to co-ordinate our conference, and she is going to edit the New Mexico Genealogist next year. And that's just a few things that she's done. Honestly.

Rumor has it that she was partially inspired to do a blog by a certain NMGS president who publishes a couple of blogs himself.

If you are interested in her blog - and you should be - check on this link.

NMGS Video Blog December 22, 2011

New Mexico Genealogical Society President Robert Baca introduces the society to YouTube by talking about New Mexico history and his personal genealogy.

100 more Facebook members for NM's Centennial

As of yesterday, the New Mexico Genealogical Society's Facebook page had 260 members. New Mexico will be celebrating its centennial of statehood on January 6, 2012. To celebrate this anniversary, let's add 100 new members to the NMGS's Facebook page!

If you haven't join the NMGS Facebook page, please join. If you have joined the site, recommend it to family and friends! Send it to them as a free Christmas gift (after all, January 6th is the 12th day of Christmas!)

Click on this link to join!

21 December 2011

Time to renew your membership or Join NMGS!

 It's near the end of the year: time to renew your membership or join NMGS for the first time! For the first time, NMGS is offering not only 1 year memberships for $25, but 2 year memberships for $45!


Benefits: As a member of the New Mexico Genealogical Society, you receive:
Sunshine  FREE shipping on orders for books by NMGS Press. Sunshine  The information-packed New Mexico Genealogist in your mailbox each quarter.
Sunshine  An index each December, covering all issues of the Genealogist that year.
Sunshine  You'll confer with others who understand your interest (obsession?) in genealogy.


Print this membership form and mail with your payment to the address on the form.
The membership year begins January 1 and ends December 31.
Individual issues of the New Mexico Genealogist
may be ordered at http://nmgs.org/nmg-ord.htm



If you are unable to print the membership form, or if you would prefer
to have a form mailed to you, drop a note to our Membership Chair at NMGS membership.

12 December 2011

NMGS Facebook Page

It's not new, and it's not a secret, but you may not know about the New Mexico Genealogical Society's Facebook Page.

Connect with others who are interested in New Mexico genealogy. You can post queries about your ancestry. Maybe someone will be able to give you the answer that you are looking for. Or maybe you will be able to answer someone else's questions....

As always, you should always do your own research. NMGS does not guarantee that any of the information posted on the site is correct. However, it may guide you towards the answer to your genealogical questions.

Click on this link to join the NMGS Facebook Page.

Other great things about the Facebook page:
* Get news about NMGS and other genealogical and historical societies
* Post photos of your ancestors
* Discuss your favorite books and other research material.
* Post stories about your ancestors
* ... and so much more.

See you on Facebook!

05 December 2011

Tim Kimball - January 21, 2012 NMGS Presentation

Botts Hall
Albuquerque Special Collection Library
423 Central NE
Albuquerque, NM
(On the corner of Central and Edith)


Saturday, January 21, 2012
10:30 AM – Noon


The Albuquerque Special Collections Library
and
The New Mexico Genealogical Society
present

Tim Kimball
Asking for the Inestimable Right: New Mexico’s State Government of 1850
 

During spring of 1850 New Mexicans organized a state government and petitioned the US Senate for admission. Calling the promises made by Polk and Kearny in 1846, New Mexico possessed a greater population than most previous territories granted statehood. National hurdles of slavery, anti-Catholicism, and racism doomed this first attempt at statehood in a complex drama that continued for another 62 years.

Tim Kimball is an independent researcher and Army-trained intelligence analyst and is literate in Spanish and German. Tim’s special interest is in archival research on occupation-era New Mexico and its application to a more complete record of the period. He has published several articles and given several presentations on his interpretations.

Join us in the newly renovated Botts Hall at the Albuquerque Special Collections Library on Central and Edith! This presentation is the first of the 2012 New Mexico Centennial Program. Come help us celebrate every third Saturday of the month, January through November, 2012. For more information about our programs, check out the New Mexico Genealogical Society’s website at http://www.nmgs.org/.

This program is free and open to the public.

03 December 2011

2012 New Mexico Centennial Program - Botts Hall

Botts Hall
Albuquerque Special Collection Library
423 Central NE
Albuquerque, NM
(On the northwest corner of Central and Edith)

2012 New Mexico Centennial Program

The New Mexico Genealogical Society in conjunction with the Albuquerque Special Collection Library is celebrating the New Mexico Statehood Centennial in 2012!

The 2012 New Mexico Centennial Program will present speakers on New Mexico history and genealogy throughout the year, January through November. The quality of presenters and topics are guaranteed to be superb. Each presentation is thoroughly researched and will entertain as well as inform.

The 2012 New Mexico Centennial Program will be presented exclusively in the newly renovated Botts Hall, at the Albuquerque Special Collections Library on the northwest corner of Central and Edith. Come join us for the re-opening of the Albuquerque Special Collection Library in January.

List of Programs:

• January 21, 2012, 10:30 A.M. to Noon
Tim Kimball - Asking for the Inestimable Right: N M’s State Government of 1850.

• February, 18, 2012, 10:30 A.M. to Noon
Sherry Robinson – John S. Calhoun: Indian Agent, First Territorial Governor

• March 17, 2012, 10:30 A.M. to Noon
David Stuart - Before New Mexico Got its Name: Archaeology of its First XI Millennia.

• April 21, 2012, 10:30 A.M. to Noon
Henrietta Martinez Christmas - Julian Jacquez, Rosa Villalpando, and the Taos Massacre of August 1760 - Trekking Through Texas.

• May 19, 2012, 10:30 A.M. to Noon
Robert Torrez - Law and Order and the Quest for Statehood: A View From the Bench.

• June 16, 2012, 10:30 A.M. to Noon
Richard Garcia – “Grandma, Where Do We Come From?” Isleta Pueblo Diversity.

• July 21, 2012, 10:30 A.M. to Noon
John Kessell - "¡Más Allá! Don Bernardo de Miera y Pacheco and the 18th-Century Kingdom of New Mexico

• August 18, 2012, 10:30 A.M. to Noon
David Snow – Settling New Mexico’s Colonial Landscape

• September 15, 2012, 10:30 A.M. to Noon
Ron Solimon – Pueblo Nations and State and Federal Government Policies 1912-2012

• October 20, 2012, 10:30 A.M. to Noon
Richard Griswold del Castillo – Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and its Effect on New Mexico’s Quest for Statehood.

• November 17, 2012, 10:30 A.M. to Noon
Richard Melzer – Delay after Delay and Finally, Statehood at Last!

All Programs are free and open to the public.

15 September 2011

September 17, 2011 NMGS Program

Special Collections Library
Main Library - Second Floor
501 Central NW
Albuquerque, NM
Saturday, September 17, 2011
10:30 AM


The New Mexico Genealogical Society
presents
Henrietta Christmas
“Jornada del Muerto Grant aka Armendaris Grant”


The Jornada del Muerto Grant. The Jornada del Muerto Grant was first sought by Pedro Armendaris of San Elizario around 1819. Later requests for a grant from this long stretch of mostly dry land came in 1845, and conflicted with other grants to the Armendaris family. Long associated with the Camino Real, the Jornada del Muerto Grant presents an interesting set of questions. Beset with drought, Indian predations, and a desert landscape, did it have real value? A primer on researching land grants will be pointed out within the presentation.

Henrietta Christmas, a native New Mexican, is a genealogical and historical researcher for the last 35 years and she descends from eleven of the soldiers that came with Oñate in 1598. She has written several books which relate to New Mexico's small towns and history and over 100 articles mostly on New Mexico's Colonial Families. She is a long-time member of the Historical Society of New Mexico, Hispanic Genealogical Research Center of New Mexico and the New Mexico Genealogical Society. Two of her most recent projects include assisting with the bios for Segesser Hide Paintings for the opening of the History Museum in Santa Fe and writing two chapters in the Anthology for the Historical Society of NM, titled “Sunshine and Shadows in New Mexico’s Past.”

Henrietta’s interest in researching land grants is two-fold, identifying the persons involved and hearing the testimonies. These records provide an in depth knowledge of who, what and when things happened in regards to their specific land grants. Many of these papers are far superior in terms of the WPA interviews and represent New Mexico’s historical past. Some of her most recent land grant projects include El Rito, Antonio Salazar, Santa Fe County and Chaperito. Henrietta resides in Corrales with her husband Walt.

This program is free and open to the public.

08 August 2011

August 20, 2011 NMGS Program

Special Collections Library
Main Library - Second Floor
501 Central NW
Albuquerque, NM
Saturday, August 20, 2011
10:30 AM

The New Mexico Genealogical Society
and the Special Collection Library

present

Researching Your New Mexico Brick Walls

Bring your research and charts to break through the brick walls in your family history.

Ask our area experts:

* Robert J. C. Baca - Rio Abajo & Socorro
* Henrietta Christmas - Santa Fe & San Miguel
* Manny Olona - Albuquerque & Belen
* Joe Salazar - Rio Abajo & San Juan

Program is free and open to the public.

Questions: call (505) 796-0376   e-mail info@nmgs.org

22 June 2011

Genealogical collection to stay at Albuquerque Main Library

The following message was sent to me by email on May 31st, but I have been unable to access my email for the past few weeks. Therefore, I apologize for posting this late, but I hope this information will be useful to you. - Robert Baca, President, New Mexico Genealogical Society


Dean P. Smith, Director
Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Libraries
501 Copper St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
505.768.5170

An open letter to all the supporters and volunteers of the Special Collections Library

Thank you to all who have shared your thoughts and concerns about the Special Collections Library and the materials housed there. After consultations with Library staff, customers, stakeholders, and City Hall, I have decided to leave the Genealogy Collections at the Main Library on Copper and 5th. The Local History, New Mexicana, Archives, and Center for the Book collections will remain at the Special Collections building on Central and Edith. We plan to re-open the Special Collections building in late August or September.

I understand that for some supporters of the Genealogy collections this will not be an acceptable arrangement. I certainly regret this decision being the cause of stress, frustration, or sadness for any volunteers, customers or supporters. These collections would not be the outstanding treasures that they are today without the many contributions of volunteers and supporters.

I have weighed many options and factors in determining the best way to meet the needs of the community, encourage the use of the historical collections, and honor the history and architecture of the Special Collections building. This arrangement is the most beneficial to the greatest number of customers at this time.

Many customers approached Library staff and suggested that the genealogy materials stay at the Main Library as they find the space more conducive to research, the available hours better, and the nearby amenities, such as restaurants, to be better. Many others have told staff they feel strongly about the Special Collections building and the appropriateness of all historical materials being housed in that one location.

Here are some of the factors that had to be considered:
· All of these collections must have space to expand. If all of the historical collections including Genealogy, Local History, Archives, New Mexicana, and the Center for the Book, move back to the Special Collections Library there will be no room for growth.

· The present stack arrangement at the Special Collections Library must be closed to the public. The current configuration of the stacks and the multiple access points to them are not conducive to the necessary supervision or the appropriate security. The present stack arrangement, narrow and with many dead ends, is most suitable to a closed stacks approach.

· The Genealogy collections are best on open and accessible shelves. The remaining historical collections, especially the archival and unique, are more suited to closed stacks.

· Parking at Main is now more convenient on weekdays with multiple pay lots and a parking garage available, with two free hours, as well as metered parking and public transportation.

· Parking around the Special Collections building has changed in the last six months as two hour metered spaces have been installed all along and just off of Central, and residents only parking is being set up in front of the adjacent residences all along Edith and Copper.

· Genealogy is the most used special collection. Having Genealogy at the Main Library provides an additional 10 hours of public service including Mondays and two evenings.

· Meetings and programs on local history and genealogy can be held in either location depending on which venue most suits the style of program, the space requirements and the time. Large events can be held in the community room or auditorium at the Main Library, while smaller events can be out on the 2nd floor where the Genealogy collection is housed. Medium sized events can be held at the Special Collections building in Botts Hall, and small events in the Center for the Book or the New Mexicana Room. Because of the new parking restrictions at Special Collections, events there will best be limited to weekday evenings and Saturdays.

Again, thank you for your interest in the Special Collections building and the historical collections. Please understand that this was not an easy decision to make nor was it made lightly.

At this time, I have determined this to be the most appropriate use of the historical ‘old main’ building at Central and Edith; the best way to assure all the collections can grow and thrive; and the most appropriate provision of access to all the treasures that make up the various historical collections of the Albuquerque / Bernalillo County Libraries.

Sincerely,


Dean P. Smith, Director
Albuquerque / Bernalillo County Libraries

24 May 2011

July 16, 2011 NMGS Program


Saturday, July 16, 2011
10:30 AM
Albuquerque Main Library – 2nd Floor
501 Copper NW
Albuquerque, NM
The New Mexico Genealogical Society
presents
Andrés Armijo
Becoming a Part of My History
Andrés Armijo presents on his first, recent publication "Becoming a Part of My History: Through Images & Stories of My Ancestors" - People's Photography and Family Research at its Best.
This project stems out of years of genealogical research, oral history interviews and the recovery of family images and artifacts. Vernacular photography, or "people's photography" enlightens a family's past, while oral histories also illuminate photographs. Both aspects of family research are in potential danger of being lost, and it is through this recovery project that Andrés Armijo shares insights, guidance, stories and oral histories about his family for all ranges of audiences. In this presentation, Armijo will share excerpts from select chapters of the book, and the photographs (and moving pictures, or home movies as we know them) that accompany them. Interaction, discussion and questions in this multi-media presentation are encouraged.

This program is free and open to the public

For more information, please visit our website at www.nmgs.org

15 May 2011

June 2011 NMGS Program

Saturday, June 18, 2011
10:30 AM
Albuquerque Main Library – 2nd Floor
501 Copper NW
Albuquerque, NM


The New Mexico Genealogical Society
In cooperation with the
Albuquerque Special Collections Library
present


Tim Kimball


HISPANICS WHO MADE
AMERICAN NEW MEXICO
1846-1851 

Donaciano and Juan Bautista Vigil, Curas Antonio Jose Martinez, Ramon Ortiz, Jose Manuel Gallegos and Jose Leyva, Vicario Juan Felipe Ortiz, Colonels Diego Juan Archuleta, Pablo Montolla and Manuel Cortez, Francisco Sarracino, Ramon Luna, Manuel Alvarez, Albino Chacon, brother and sister Trinidad and Gertrudes Barcelo, and Juan de Jesus Maese shared a love of New Mexico. 

Traditional history emphasizes the differences between these patriots and their alleged failings.  They and their conciudadanos were admirable men and women with much in common, sharing many goals but taking different paths.  These Hispanic leaders provided continuity in governance and established a viable American (but distinctive) New Mexico in a stormy sea of jingoism, racism, and antebellum national politics. 

Tim Kimball is an amateur historian and Army-trained intelligence analyst with a 1967-68 tour in RVN.  He received an M.A. in Anthropology from the University of New Mexico, is literate in Spanish and German.  Kimball has a special interest in archival research on occupation-era New Mexico and its application to a more complete interpretation of the period.  He lives in Corrales with his wife Nancy. 


This program is free and open to the public

For more information, please visit our website at www.nmgs.org

09 May 2011

New Mexico History by KNME - on YouTube

I discovered a number of great short history episodes on YouTube, published by PBS/ KNME. These include:

* Moments in Time. "Billy the Kid's letters, a Governor's wife faces the Inquisition, on board the U.S.S New Mexico during a W.W. II Kamikaze attack... The New Mexico History Museum in collaboration with KNME presents fifteen short history videos about New Mexico's unique and diverse history. Moments in Time offers audiences a glimpse into some fascinating people, events, and artifacts."

* Colores

* Notable New Mexicans

Click on the links above to view the videos.

30 April 2011

Arlington Graves Database

From an article published in the Los Angeles Times website Teen Makes Digital Record of Arlington Graves:

Ricky Gilleland, a tech-savvy 11th-grader, has created the only digitized record of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.


Richard "Ricky" Gilleland III — 11th-grader and Junior Future Business Leaders of America computer ace — has succeeded where the Army failed: He has created the only digitized record of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans laid to rest at Arlington. His website, preserveandhonor.com, is a reverent catalog of the fallen, and one young man's response to a scandal of Army mismanagement, mismarked graves and unmarked remains that has rocked this hallowed place for two years.


To search this database, click on this link.

28 April 2011

Meeting about Special Collections Library - April 30th, 10:30 AM

Albuquerque Main Library
501 Copper Ave NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
April 30, 2011, 10:30 AM



URGENT NOTICE:


There will be a meeting to discuss the future of Special Collection Genealogical and Historical Collections at the Main Library on SATURDAY, APRIL 30th at 10:30am, Lower Level of the Library.

If you can, Please attend ...

This is our chance for library directors to hear the concerns of Special Collections users. Regardless of where SCL ends up, we need to have our concerns known.

What can we do about parking? Can we get access to more restrooms at Main? Requests for better accommodation of electrical outlets for laptops, etc. ... What are the things we like about both locations and hope to keep? We have complaints, praises and suggestions that we talk about to each other ... if we really want anything known and/or done about them, we need to let the directors know ... it's up to us.

This is a very important meeting ... if just to show support for our genealogy library and our librarians ... come to show how much we do need and appreciate them.

GSHA Conference - August 5-7, 2011

The following notice was sent to us via email. We'd like to share it with you.

The Genealogical Society of Hispanic America (GSHA) presents their Annual Meeting and Conference in Las Vegas, New Mexico, August 5-7, 2011 at the Historic Plaza Hotel. The theme, "Discovering Our Shared Ancestors", will incorporate topics ranging from DNA and the impact of technology on genealogy research, to the history of Fort Union, the Rough Riders and our early ancestors’ activities in the southwest. Additional details and a registration form are available at http://www.gsha.net/ or contact Charlene Garcia Simms, PO Box 3357, Pueblo, CO 81005.

17 April 2011

May14, 2011 NMGS Program

Saturday, May 14, 2011, at 10:30 am

2nd Floor of Main Library
501 Copper NW, Albuquerque New Mexico (505-768-5131)

(Click here to view map.)




The New Mexico Genealogical Society,
the State Historian's Office, & the Special Collections Library
present

David Snow
“DOÑA de MALA VITA”
 

The well-known feud involving Lamy’s Vicar General, Machebeuf and Padre Gallegos, the pastor at San Felipe de Neri, is revisited by David Snow from the State Historian’s Office. Much of the controversy surrounded Gallegos’ relation-ship with Dona Maria de Jesus Trujillo who elicited a variety of opinions

• An independent woman from Santa Fe’s upper crust society per Janet LeCompte

• Was called a prostitute by Padre Antonio Martinez

• Thought by Angelico Chavez to be Mexican-born and so her behavior should be excused!

• Referred to as "Dona de mala vita" & "that damned female" by Machebeuf

Emotions have always run high concerning this ménage á trois but Snow gives us a long-overdue, unbiased overview of the genealogy and history of Trujillo as well as a factual account of her involvement with Gallegos, Machebeuf, and San Felipe parish.

David Snow is an historical archaeologist living in Albuquerque who has written numerous articles and books regarding New Mexico historical sites &; personalities. His works include, New Mexico’s First Colonists & History and Archaeology of San Felipe Church.

• Educated at UNM and Brandeis University

• Former staff archaeologist at Museum of NM Laboratory of Anthropology

• Owned Cross-Cultural Resource Systems – a resource management company

• Former history curator at the Palace of the Governors

This program is free and open to the public.

A summary of this presentation is available here.

16 April 2011

New Mexico Villages Handout

Did you miss our April 16th presentation: "Genealogy of a Village: The How and Why of Researching New Mexico Villages"? If you did, you missed a good presentation. Francelle Alexander explained how using histories, memoirs and other written material, a genealogist may create a family or local history.

Since she focused on the Rio Abajo, she wrote up a selected bibliography for that area. It is a great resource for material on central and southern New Mexico. Click on this link to view her "Selected Bibliography of New Mexico Hispanic Villages".

Enjoy.

13 April 2011

Historical Society of NM Conference May 5-8, 2011

This was sent to our society via email. Please remember this is an announcement for the Historical Society of New Mexico, NOT the New Mexico Genealogical Society. Our society is not responsible for this announcement, nor is it putting on the conference. If you have any questions about the conference, contact the Historical Society of New Mexico. Their website is below.

Historical Society of New Mexico


For Immediate Release

Historical Society of New Mexico announces 2011 New Mexico HIstory Conference in Lincoln County, May 5 - 8.

The Historical Society of New Mexico, along with its partners, the Lincoln County Historical Society, New Mexico State Monuments, Fort Stanton, Inc., ENMU-Ruidoso, and the Hubbard Museum are pleased to announce the 2011 New Mexico History Conference to be held in Ruidoso and other venues in Lincoln County, May 5 - 8. An opening reception and conference registration will be held at the Hubbard Museum on Thursday, May 5, from 4 to 6 PM. Program sessions will take place at the Ruidoso Convention Center from 8:30 to 5 PM on Friday, May 6 and from 8:30 to 12:00 PM on Saturday, May 7.

The conference program includes four parallel sessions at the Convention Center, with a number of program presentations focusing on Lincoln County and the region. A highlight for those interested in Lincoln County history is a session, starting at 8:30 on Friday morning, on “Lincoln County Warriors” presented by current Lincoln County Historical Society President, Gary Cozzens, and past-President Herb Marsh. There will also be three sessions later in the conference on the history of Fort Stanton.

On Friday evening from 5:30 to 7:00 PM in the Ruidoso Convention Center , the Historical Society of New Mexico will hold a book auction, followed by its Annual Awards Banquet from 7 to 9 PM. Two Lincoln County residents will be receiving awards from the Society. The first is Jay Smith, who is receiving the Society’s most prestigious award, the Edgar Lee Hewett Award, given for outstanding service to the public. Smith is currently the interim Director of the Silver City Museum, the President of the Mountain Plains Museum Association, and the Vice-President of the Lincoln County Historical Society. The second Lincoln County awardee is Diane Prather, who is receiving the Society’s Bradford Prince Award for significant work in the field of historic preservation, in particular, her efforts in preserving the Nogal Mesa Ranger Station barn.

Conference registration is open to all, with registration fees for the full conference starting at $35 for a single session and $75 for the full conference. In addition to the opening reception at the Hubbard Museum on May 5, registration will be available all through the sessions on May 6 and 7 at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Full-time students may register for $10 and New Mexico K-12 teachers can attend for free.


There will also be a day of teachers’ sessions and workshops at the Lincoln State Monument on Saturday, May 7. The workshops will be focused on the history and impact of New Mexico’s achieving statehood in 1912 and are part of the statewide commemoration of the Statehood Centennial. These teachers’s sessions and workshops are being supported by the Historical Society of New Mexico and private donors, by a grant from the New Mexico Humanities Council, and by funding from the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.

A full program for the 2011 New Mexico History Conference can be found at the Historical Society of New Mexico’s website, http://www.hsnm.org/.

10 April 2011

New Mexican U.S. Congressmen (and one woman)

Do you have an ancestor or other relative who served in the United States Congress? Even before New Mexico was a state, there were a number of men who represented New Mexico as a non-voting members of congress. There are a number of websites that include information about the history and biography of our state's congressional delegations.


If you're looking for a list of people who served on Congress, you can go to the New Mexico Secretary of State's website. On the site are complete digital copies of the last two New Mexico Blue Books. In "Federal" section of the 2009-2010 Blue Book is a list of New Mexico representatives who served on the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives - their names and terms of service.


Biographies of U.S. Congressmen - and one Congresswoman, Heather Wilson - can be found in the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. A search engine on the site allows you to search for any specific person you wish - or if you would like to read the biographies of all the congressmen from New Mexico, just search for "New Mexico" under the "state" drop box. A Facebook buddy of mine pointed me to this website, which featured an ancestor of his who served as a delegate from the Territory of New Mexico, Jose Francisco Chaves. From the Biography Directory of the United States Website:
CHAVES, José Francisco, a Delegate from the Territory of New Mexico; born in Padillas, Mexico (now New Mexico), June 27, 1833; attended schools in St. Louis, Mo.; studied medicine at the New York College of Physicians and Surgeons; engaged in the stock-raising business in the Territory of New Mexico; president of the Territorial council for eight sessions; major of the First New Mexico Infantry in the Union Army during the Civil War; promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel; took part in the Battle of Valverde in 1862; elected as a Republican to the Thirty-ninth Congress (March 4, 1865-March 3, 1867); successfully contested the election of Charles P. Clever to the Fortieth Congress; reelected to the Forty-first Congress and served from February 20, 1869, to March 3, 1871; unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1870 to the Forty-second Congress; engaged in farming and stock raising; district attorney of the second judicial district 1875-1877; member and president of the State constitutional convention in 1889; State superintendent of public instruction from 1903 until his death; appointed State historian of New Mexico in 1903, but died before his term of service began; assassinated in Pinos Wells (near Cedar Vale, Torrance County), N.Mex., November 26, 1904; interment in the United States National Cemetery at Santa Fe, N.Mex.
Another good site is the Library of Congress. You can find photographs, biographies and other information on the website. A particular book that is found complete online is the title "Hispanic Americans in Congress". This book includes a table of contents with names that you can click on to read the particular congressman's biography.

31 March 2011

Corrales Historical Society Presentation April 7, 2011

Corrales Historical Society Speaker Series invites you to attend:

Henry Street, co-owner of Ponderosa Vineyards and Winery,
will speak on Winemaking in New Mexico – 382 Years!

Thursday, April 7th @ 7:00pm

Old San Ysidro Church @ 966 Old Church Road

Event is free and open to the public. No reservations required.

Everyone knows about California wines. But do you know...
• How many years before grapevines were planted in California were vineyards established in New Mexico?
• Where would one find well established vineyards in the Southwest in 1800?
• What was the only revenue producing product in our state in 1812?
On Thursday, April 7th at 7:00 pm at the Old San Ysidro Church come learn the answers to these questions and hear the fascinating story of vineyards and winemaking in New Mexico. Henry Street, co-owner of Ponderosa Vineyards and Winery, will speak on Winemaking in New Mexico – 382 Years! He will share his vast knowledge and stories of New Mexico’s winemaking industry from its inception to today.

Jim Hammond of Corrales, known as the Southwestern Wine Guy, describes Henry Street as one of New Mexico’s top winemakers and one of its best spokespersons. Henry came to New Mexico in 1963 having been recruited from Georgia Tech by Sandia National Laboratories. While working as an engineer at Sandia for 30 years, Henry and his wife, Mary, started planting grapes in Ponderosa, New Mexico. Their vineyards grew to be the largest Riesling Vineyards in New Mexico and soon they were selling their grapes to wineries in New Mexico. In 1993, after studying winemaking at the University of California Davis they opened Ponderosa Valley Winery where they have produced a number of national award-winning wines.

29 March 2011

Albuquerque Historical Society Presentation April 10th

Received via email....
Albuquerque Historical Society

** SUNDAY APRIL 10, 2011 **

All programs are free and open to the public

…In preparation for NM’s 2012 Centennial of Statehood…


THE HISTORY OF THE ALBUQUERQUE FIRE DEPARTMENT

** Presenter**

Herman Bishop,

Historian Retired Albuquerque Firefighters Association

Mr. Bishop will describe the evolution of fire fighting in Albuquerque from the 1880’s to the present: from human drawn and horse drawn equipment to the high tech engines of today.The program includes a visit to the adjacent Fire History Museum which houses numerous photographs along with a 1919 75’ aerial ladder and a 1927 LaFrance Pumper engine.


SUNDAY APRIL 10, 2011 2 P.M.
Albuquerque Fire Academy, 11500 Sunset Gardens SW
Adjacent to 114th St. & Central SW


This is an easy 12 minute drive from the Big I. Take I-40 west to the 98th St. exit. Go south (left) on 98th one mile to Central. Take Central west one mile to 114th St. Turn left (south) on 114th. Several signs indicate the Fire Academy turn. The Academy is one block from Central. Park in the back parking lot and come through the rear entrance of the building. Founded in 1947, the Albuquerque Historical Society (AHS) welcomes all who are interested in the history of our city to its monthly programs. All programs are free.This program also supported by TACA, the Tricentennial Committee & the NM Statehood Centennial. www.albuqhistsoc.org

28 March 2011

Rio Rancho, NM Genealogy Day Program

From the Rio Rancho Public Library website:


Blast into Your Past: A Multi-Topic Genealogy Day with Experts


Saturday, April 2, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.



Interested in your unique family history? Want to learn about scientific advances in this field? Blast into your Past is an informative and congenial program aimed at helping beginners learn more about the tools that can help! The five distinguished speakers on the agenda include two of genealogy's most famous experts: Bennett Greenspan, founder of www.FamilyTreeDNA.com and Dr. Steve Morse, founder of the "One-Step" genealogical websearch tool/pages (http://stevemorse.org) and architect of the Intel 8086 (the grandaddy of today's Pentium process). Local experts Michael Barger, Schelly Dardashti, and Lionel Rael will also share their abundant expertise.

27 March 2011

The Special Collections Library & NM Genealogical Society are proud to present


GENEALOGY OF A VILLAGE

The How & Why of Researching New Mexico Villages


By FRANCELLE ALEXANDER

Saturday April 16, 2011 at 10:15 am-noon


“When we have a solid understanding of the place of birth and chronology of our ancestors, we have a context for their life histories. For many in New Mexico it is a village.” Each village has its own genealogy – ancestors, siblings, cousins, and descendants. Many materials are available for researchers on Hispanic NM Villages, but some are less well known. Ms Alexander will cover these materials as well as other aspects of research including:


• General and unique characteristics of villages


• New Mexico villages and their environment


• Selected bibliography of types of material available to the researcher


Francelle is a native New Mexican having grown up in both the North & South Valley. After having applied her talents with APS for many years she lived overseas and began researching several villages in Europe & Asia. Upon returning from abroad, she began extensive research on the villages of Bosque, Peralta, and Los Lunas. This research resulted in several publications culminating in her major work in the area “Among the Cottonwoods – The Enduring Villages of Peralta and Los Pinos” to be published later this year. Whether your village is Madrid, Madison, Monterey, or Montenegro, you won’t want to miss this workshop.


This event will be held @ Special Collections on the 2nd Floor of the Main Library located at 5th & Copper NW. It is FREE & open to the public. Please call 311 or 505-768-5131. TTY users call Relay NM or 711; www.cabq.gov/library or specialcollections@cabq.gov

08 March 2011

Finding Aids for Southwest Genealogical Collections

The Rocky Mountain Online Archive has many finding aids to collections found throughout the Southwest. Below are a listing of a few of the aids that include genealogical information:

* Myra Ellen Jenkins papers, 1500-1993. Dr. Jenkins was once the state historian of New Mexico. Her collection can be found at the Fort Lewis College Center of Southwest Studies in Durango, Colorado.

* Abe N. Pena papers, 1894-2004. Pena is a sheepman and historian. Much of this collection has to do with his political life, but included in the collection are a few genealogies. His collection can be found in the New Mexico State University Library, Archives and Special Collections in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

* Vargas Project Records, 1642-1999. According to the guide, the scope and content of the collection is: "The Vargas Project papers contain the working papers of the project, collected by Larry Miller. The papers consist primarily of office files pertaining to research, logistics, promotion and production of the five volume set of journals of don Diego de Vargas: By Force of Arms, To the Royal Crown Restored, Blood on the Boulders, That Disturbances Cease, and A Settling of Accounts. Much of the material consists of Spanish language documents photocopied, transcribed and translated by the research team. Other materials include notes, manuscripts and correspondence related to archives, research and funding of the project." Center for Southwest Studies, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque.

* Edmundo Delgado Collection, 1932-1995. Delgado was a state legislator, amatuer historian and genealogist. His collection includes a number of his genealogies. National Hispanic Cultural Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

* Fabiola Cabeza de Baca Gilbert Papers, 1602-1996. Cabeza de Baca Gilbert was the author of "We Fed them Cactus". Her collection includes genealogical info, history and folklore. Center of Southwest Research, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque.

There are countless guides and finding aids on this website that have lists of genealogical resources. To search the Rocky Mountain Online Archive, click on this link.

07 March 2011

Margaret Buxton's Research

Many people in the New Mexico genealogy community know the name of the late Margaret Buxton. She was a tireless researcher who published a number of articles and books for the New Mexico Genealogical Society including "The Family of Lucero de Godoi: Early Records". (Link) Recently, while doing some searching online on a query, I discovered that her research has been collected at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. The Rocky Mountain Online Archive has list of items in her collection:

Inventory of the Guide to Margaret Buxton Collection, 1628-1994

Much of this collection are her research notes for the "Lucero de Godoi" book. Just a few of the items in her collection:

* Various charts and notes on Sedillo y Rico, Jaramillo, Sanchez, Silva, Baca
* Will of Joséfa Baca
* Santa Fe Tool Distribution 1711 to 1712
* Family Chart of Dionisio (Dennis) Chávez , 1887
* José Cháves Estate 1783
* Fray Angelico Chávez Sephardic Jews
* Tomé Land Grant
* Atrisco Land Grant and Other Documents Book C. Sur Gen Rec. State Archives

... and much, much more.

To view the guide to the collection, click on this link.

06 March 2011

Carpool to Socorro for March 19th NMGS Program

Yesterday, I posted an announcement about a program that I will be giving in Socorro, New Mexico on March 19th. I received a request from one man who will need a ride from Albuquerque to Socorro for the program. He will help pay for gas.

If you would like to take him down to Socorro, or if you would like to arrange for a carpool from Albuquerque or elsewhere, contact me (Robert Baca) at (505) 299-7883. I will not be able to personally carpool with anyone since I will be visiting family before and after the program.


Saturday, March 19, 2011, 10:30 AM
Socorro Public Library
401 Park Street, Socorro, New Mexico
(Click here to view map.)


The New Mexico Genealogical Society Presents

Robert J. C. Baca

"Baca y Baca: Two Families from Socorro"
(10:30 AM)

and

"The Zimmerly Family of Socorro, New Mexico"
(2:00 PM)

(Lunch is on your own)


This special "double feature" presentation by New Mexico Genealogical Society president Robert J. C. Baca will be given in his home town of Socorro, New Mexico.

At 10:30 AM, Robert will discuss the origins of two Baca families. One family came from Belen; the other from Peña Blanca. Discover how these two families became part of early Socorro history.

At 2 PM, Robert will speak about the Zimmerly Family of Socorro, New Mexico. Samuel Zimmerly, a Swiss-born Civil War soldier, fell in love with and married Paubla Torres, a daughter of an old New Mexican family. Their family history extends from the beginnings of Spanish New Mexican history up into statehood and beyond.

Come see one or both of these programs

Both programs are free and open to the public.

(Click here to view map.)

05 March 2011

March 19, 2011 NMGS Presentations

Saturday, March 19, 2011, 10:30 AM
Socorro Public Library
401 Park Street, Socorro, New Mexico

The New Mexico Genealogical Society Presents

Robert J. C. Baca

“Baca y Baca: Two Families from Socorro” (10:30 AM)
and

“The Zimmerly Family of Socorro, New Mexico” (2:00 PM)


This special “double feature” presentation by New Mexico Genealogical Society president Robert J. C. Baca will be given in his hometown of Socorro, New Mexico.

At 10:30 AM, Robert will discuss the origins of two Baca families. One family came from Belen; the other from Peña Blanca. Discover how these two families became part of early Socorro history.

At 2 PM, Robert will speak about the Zimmerly Family of Socorro, New Mexico. Samuel Zimmerly, a Swiss-born Civil War soldier, fell in love with and married Paubla Torres, a daughter of an old New Mexican family. Their family history extends from the beginnings of Spanish New Mexican history up into statehood and beyond.

Come see one or both of these programs

Both programs are free and open to the public

01 February 2011

February 2011 NMGS Program

Saturday, February 19, 2011, 10:30 AM
Albuquerque Main Library Auditorium
501 Copper NW, Albuquerque NM

The New Mexico Genealogical Society
and the New Mexico DNA Project presents

Angel R. Cervantes

Who will discuss

Anthropological Genetic Genealogy:

The Moors connection to
New Mexican Families
Haplogroup E1b1b1
Part II

In Part II of an ongoing series, Mr. Cervantes will explore the connection between certain New Mexican families and the Moors. Mr. Cervantes will show the second part of a short film that will trace the history of these people. He will discuss which families show the markers that are most identified with this ancient civilization.

Angel Cervantes is a History Instructor and the Project Administrator of the New Mexico DNA Project. For more information about the New Mexico DNA Project, visit their website online at: http://www.familytreedna.com/public/NewMexicoDNA/default.aspx

This program is free and open to the public.

07 January 2011

February NMGS Program Correction

In a previous post, I mentioned that the February 19, 2011 New Mexico Genealogical Society meeting would be at the Albuquerque Special Collections Library. This was a mistake. That library is still closed for remodeling.

The February 19, 2011 will be at the Albuquerque Main Library, instead. I apologize for any confusion that this may have caused you.

Robert Baca
President, NMGS

06 January 2011

No January 2011 NMGS Program

The New Mexico Genealogical Society will not be presenting a program on January 15, 2011. However, we will be back in February.

Our next program will be on February 19, 2011 at the Albuquerque Special Collections Library. Keep on eye on this blog for further information.

Robert Baca
President, New Mexico Genealogical Society