“I showed my friend where you were yesterday. I said I wonder why Kathryn is only going 55 mph. Then I switched to the satellite view and saw that you were in a really mountainous area. It all made sense.” – Gwen Babcock
The timing of our arrival on the 5th floor was perfect. Kathryn and I were able to join in on a tour given by James K. Jeffrey, the Special Collection Librarian of the Western History/Genealogy Department. He was giving a tour to a group from the Fort Collins Newcomers’ Alumni Association Genealogical Sleuths. (How’s that for a mouthful of a name?) We asked permission to share a photo of the group as James, the Librarian, described the Map Collection.
Willets Farm Maps
An impressive map was from the Willets Farm Map Collection. It showed minute details of the Denver area–even the ditch names appear. This map has been indexed by the Colorado Genealogical Society members.
Mining Casualty Database
An index to deaths in mine accidents is being finished by volunteers and will soon be placed online. Digital access to collections and indexes to key genealogy sources is a priority at the Denver Public Library Western History and Genealogy Department. http://denverlibrary.org
Coats of Arms, 1579.
Le blason des armoiris; auquel est monstrée la manière de laquelle les anciens & modernes ont usé en icelles… revised, corr. amplifié par l’auteur avec augmentation de plusieurs armoiries, tant anciennes que modernes. 1579. Hierome de Bara. Lyons: B. Vincent, 1581. Hand-colored coats of arms for noblemen and their houses, counties (equivalent to provinces, not American counties), marquisats, duchies, royal families of the countries of Europe.
New Mexico Research Sources
Our objective at the Denver Public Library was New Mexico Families–genealogies and information on origins in Mexico and Spain for Hispanic families who came to the early Southwest. The DPL has a matchless collection of these resources:
Chavez, Fr. Angelico. New Mexico Roots. 1982. Based on the Diligencias Matrimoniales–which are also available at DPL. 11 volumes. Also available at Family History Library microfiche 6051367. Indexed by Sharon Louise Heinz as Roots, The Index.
______. Origins of New Mexico Families in the Spanish Colonial Period. 1975. Santa Fe: William Gannon.
Foraci, Ida R. The Quintana’s. 1992. 22 volumes. This is the “entire known history of Miguel De Quintana and his brother, Jose De Quintana,” who settled in New Mexico in 1693, down to the present day. Each family is indexed at the end of their section and a full name index with husband and wife is available in a separate volume. Documents are reproduced throughout the volumes and pertinent names are highlighted in yellow.
Miller, LaDeane W. Select Families of New Mexico. 1999. 20 volumes. Presented in Register format, with every-name indexes at the end of each family section. Most families are traced back to their origins in Mexico City or other provinces of Mexico.
These collections are supported by an extensive family history collection for specific Hispanic families. What a great research day we had.
Colorado Historic Newspapers
Kathryn found a source she liked while looking at the extensive card catalog that indexes many pre-computer resources. This card catalog is being digitized to eventually be included online. The name she looked up had references to the Rocky Mountain News in the 1860s time period but when she looked in the microfilm drawer, ever one she wanted was missing. After asking, she found out that the issues she wanted had been digitized and were available online at http://coloradohistoricnewspapers.org – you can search OR browse – and it’s free.
Your favorite genealogist Arlene Eakle and sidekick Kathryn Bassett.
PS. Have I mentioned that Kathryn is also my webmaster?
PSS. Kathryn here, letting you know that as soon as time allows, I will make a special photo diary page, posting the photo mentioned above, and many more. Stay tuned! – Update: now linked.