Looking For My Roots

My ongoing journey to uncover my family’s Puerto Rican ancestry has been exciting and daunting. As everyone researching their family history in towns in Puerto Rico is fully aware, locating sources is challenging. 

Why? Before the Spanish-American War, poverty, malnutrition, illiteracy, and disease permeated the population. In reading some online editions of the La Gaceta, one of the earliest newspapers in Puerto Rico, I describe the writing as tone-deaf to the common people.

The Spanish government’s newspapers in the 1800s were more about the politics of Spain and Europe, targeted to the elite Spanish settlers and not of the island and the majority of the population, which were (and are) a mix of indigenous, African, European ancestry that were primarily illiterate. Nonetheless, this is an integral part of history to understand the island.

Stay tuned for my next blog post on accessing Puerto Rico’s newspapers for free.

A new tool I discovered is the Periodical Source Index, affectionately known as PERSI. Produced by the dedicated staff of The Genealogy Center of the Allen County Public Library, PERSI stands as the premier subject index for genealogy and local history periodicals. 

I knew of this source for quite a while, but my ignorance and bias made me BLIND to the resources it could have for my ancestry research.

With over 3.1 million citations, PERSI provides access to a vast array of readily available periodical sources, making it a must-have resource for new and experienced genealogists alike.

So, what makes PERSI so essential for your Puerto Rican genealogy research? Here are some of the key benefits I found:

1. Comprehensive Coverage: PERSI boasts extensive citations from thousands of genealogy and local history publications. This breadth of coverage ensures that you’ll have access to various sources, including articles, records, and family histories related to Puerto Rican genealogy.
2.  Focused Search Capabilities: Searching through PERSI is a breeze, thanks to its meticulous indexing. You can quickly narrow your search to specific geographic locations, surnames, or topics related to Puerto Rican genealogy, helping you find relevant information quickly and efficiently.
3. Access to Rare and Unique Sources: PERSI indexes well-known genealogical publications and niche and local periodicals that may contain rare or unique information about your Puerto Rican ancestors. These sources can provide valuable insights and help you piece together your family’s story.
4.  Facilitates Collaboration and Discovery: Genealogy is as much about collaboration as it is about discovery. PERSI’s comprehensive index connects you with other researchers and enthusiasts who may have valuable insights or information about your Puerto Rican ancestors, fostering community and shared discovery.
5.  Enhances Your Research Experience: By providing access to a wealth of periodical sources, PERSI enriches your genealogical research experience, making it more rewarding and fulfilling. Whether you’re just starting or are a seasoned genealogist, PERSI can help you advance your research.
   
   Downside? It is just an index to the source to contact to get more information.
   But hey, back in the 1990s, I spent days in the family history centers and the National Archives in Seattle going through microfilm!
   So, a little more legwork is part of a genealogist’s job!

Navigating the PERSI Website for Puerto Rico documents

The following is an example of accessing PERSI and listing resources for my research

1. Go to https://www.genealogycenter.info/persi/
2. Click on the image “Other Countries“
3. It brings you to a list of countries. Look for Puerto Rico in the list.
4. The following image shows the list of the categories of Puerto Rico records.

The following is a snapshot of the Publisher of the article with information.

In conclusion, PERSI is a powerful tool to significantly enhance your Puerto Rican genealogy research with sources you may not know.
As I get information, I will digitize my findings and share them!