On-site Research: Civil Registration Records

Concello de Rois

Two-fold in purpose, the 2006 Family History/Emigration Research Internship proved to be a whirlwind experience requiring continual adjustment and coordination in schedules. We had only three days to research in Galicia before we moved northeast to Asturias, Cantábria and Guipúzcoa. While the guys continued to gather historical records related to Spanish emigration, the girls worked to gather records related to my specific family of interest.

Xulgado de Paz - the office for Civil Registration

Though eagerly anticipating our Tuesday night meeting with the parish priest, Monday's work required our full focus and attention. The Civil Registration records for Ribasar were located in the rural municipality of Rois (click the Archival Research in Galicia link under the Related Sites tab for map). Our work in this tiny office was a very pleasant experience. The documents were organized and well-cared for and most importantly, the secretary was wonderful and very helpful. Except to request another book, we tried not to interrupt his work; however, I am sure our occasional whispered observations and questions to one another served to distract him from his tasks. Nevertheless, he let us look through all the books and take digital photos of the documents related to our research. Due to the small population base, this office had limited hours of operation--we only had four hours to complete our research. Needless to say, that time passed very quickly! The un-indexed registration books required  page-by-page research. Lucky for us, the records were in very good condition, easy to read, and well-organized in bound books.

At the secretary's suggestion, we listed the documents we had identified as pertinent to my research project. After we left he saw to it that photo copies were ready (at no charge!) for pickup just a couple of days later. Having the digital images allowed me to read through the documents later that evening and enter the data into my family history database. From my analysis I discovered something very interesting. . . tune in next week for a full explanation.

Fancy manhole cover!