Mexican Notarial Records: An Invaluable Source for Reconstructing the Past of Mexican Families

Key points and insights

This webinar, presented by Nefi Arenas Salazar, delves into the rich resource of Mexican notarial records for genealogical research, offering invaluable insights into reconstructing the past of Mexican families. Salazar clarifies the distinction between civil law notaries in Mexico and notary publics in the United States, emphasizing the significance of notarial records in providing detailed genealogical context often missing from church records. The presentation further explores various types of notarial records, their historical context, and where to find them, providing a comprehensive guide for researchers seeking to trace their Mexican heritage.

• The webinar highlights the crucial role of notarial records in Mexican genealogy, especially in instances where church records are incomplete or unavailable. These records, including testaments, dowry letters, and power of attorney documents, often contain detailed information about family relationships, origins, and socioeconomic status, offering invaluable context for genealogical research.
• Salazar emphasizes the distinction between civil law notaries and notary publics, clarifying a common misconception among researchers. This distinction is crucial for understanding the legal weight and significance of notarial records in Mexico.
• The webinar provides a guide to locating notarial records in various Mexican states, detailing specific archives and their accessibility. This information is invaluable for researchers planning to conduct on-site or digital investigations into their family histories.

To gain a deeper understanding of how notarial records can enrich genealogical research and to explore the specific archives mentioned, viewing the full webinar or resource is highly recommended. The syllabus for this webinar is also an invaluable resource that contains additional information for the genealogist and should be explored.