Archives of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe (AASF)
Perhaps the most important source of genealogical information is a collection of sacramental records belonging to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. While these records belong to the Archdiocese a microfilm copy has been provided to the SRCA for patron use. These sacramental records include baptisms, confirmations, marriages, diligencias matrimoniales (DMs) or pre-nuptial investigations, and burials. These records are arranged by parish, record type, and date. Many of the DMs have been indexed in Fray Angelico Chavez’ New Mexico Roots, Ltd. These records are contained in three microfilm series (AASF, Series A, and LDS Series).
Archives of the Diocese of Gallup (ADG)
Similar to AASF, these microfilmed sacramental records belong to the Diocese of Gallup, but are available for use to patrons at SRCA. The microfilm series contains church records from the western part of New Mexico and the eastern part of Arizona beginning in 1777 and running until 1920. (Earlier records may be found in AASF).
Census Records (microfilm only)
Another excellent source of information are census records. SRCA has the 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1885, 1900, 1910, and 1920 Federal census records. Indices for the 1850, 1860, and 1870 censuses are also available. The 1890 census was destroyed by fire; however, a special schedule enumerating Civil War veterans and widows is extant. Also available on microfilm are some census records from the Spanish and Mexican Periods.
County Records (Some microfilm)
- Clerk’s Office: Property deeds, marriages, oaths and bonds, poll and tally books, voter registration, business licenses, brands, mining records, notary records
- Assessor’s Office: Tax records
- Probate Office: Case files, wills, testaments, guardianships, and adoptions
District Court Records (Some microfilm)
- Civil and Criminal Docket Books
- Oversized Record Books
- Civil and Criminal Case Files
- Naturalization Records: Declaration and Intention, Petition for Naturalization, Naturalization Records, Certificate of Naturalization
Land Grants and Conveyances
These records chart the distribution of land in New Mexico during the Spanish, Mexican, and Territorial Periods. Also included are those records of the Surveyor General and the Court of Private Land Claims. These records are important in that they list land grantees, heirs, family names, and relationships.
Military Records
These records include military muster rolls during the Spanish, Mexican, and Territorial periods. Other military records include the Adjutant General’s Collection and World War I and World War II discharges and enlistments.
Wills and Diaries
Miscellaneous records of wills and diaries of individuals living in New Mexico.
Private Collections
Several New Mexico families have donated their family papers to the SRCA. These papers contain valuable information about New Mexico families and their role in the state’s development and history.
Department of Corrections (Penitentiary of New Mexico Records)
Prison records can provide some family information on inmates of the Penitentiary of New Mexico.