Genealogy Center
New Books by NM Genealogists
Books by New Mexico Researchers 2025
New Mexico researchers have recently published some amazing books you won't want to miss.
Two Centuries to Freedom : The True Story of One Family's Two-Century Migration from Lucca, Italy, to New Mexico and Other American States by Call Number: 978.961 MenicucciIn 1910, teenagers Julio and Amerigo Menicucci were among the early twentieth century wave of Italians from the Lucca Province who migrated to the United States. They established homes and families in Albuquerque. An in-depth, comprehensive view of the phenomenon of early 20th-century Italian immigration as seen through the eyes of the Menicucci family and mentions almost every Italian family in Albuquerque between 1900 and 1950.
Letters from Dorothy : Adventures in the US Foreign Service 1925-1934 by Call Number: 929.2 BlackledgeIn 70 heartfelt letters, typed on official Department of State stationery, Dorothy Forrant chronicles her adventures from her hometown of Ware, Massachusetts, to her adventures in Havana, Buenos Aires, Tokyo, Chefoo, and Beijing in the US Foreign Service.
This true historical chronology combines the authenticity of primary source material with compelling narrative by her son - telling the story of a remarkable life.
About the Genealogy Center
Genealogy Center
Genealogy Center501 Copper Ave NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
505-768-5131
librarygenealogy@cabq.gov
Lisa Kindrick, Genealogy Librarian
Joshua Fox, Area Manager
The Genealogy Center is on the second floor of the Main Library in downtown Albuquerque on Copper Avenue NW, between 5th and 6th streets.
| SUN | MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | 10–6 | 10–6 | 10–6 | 10–6 | 10–6 | 10-6 |
By Bus
Several bus routes including Central Avenue Route #66, Rapid Ride #766 (Red Line) and Rapid Ride #777 (Green Line) serve the Main Library. Plan your trip here.
By Car
Freeway Directions from I-40:
Take I-40 to the 6th Street exit. Drive southtbound on 6th Street until you reach Copper Avenue. The library will be on the left, between 5th Street and 6th Street, on Copper Avenue.
Surface Street Directions from Montano:
Take Montano to 2nd Street. Go south on 2nd Street. 2nd Street will turn into 3rd street after the I-40 overpass. Follow 3rd Street to Lomas, and turn right (west) onto Lomas. Take Lomas to 6th Street and turn left (south). Stay on 6th Street until you reach Copper Avenue. The library will be on the left, between 5th and 6th Streets, on Copper Avenue.
Parking
In addition to metered street parking, up to two hours of free parking is available at the Very Special Arts parking garage on the southeast corner of 5th and Copper. Bring your parking stub from this garage to the Circulation desk for validation.
Branch Amenities & Services
12 Public Computers (Windows 7 with Microsoft Office 2013 and Internet access) for Genealogy and Foundation Center research
Free Wireless Internet Access
Printing Services - 15¢ per page
Copy Machine - 20¢ per page
Study Rooms Available on a first come basis with a Library Card in good standing
Change machine available
7 Microfilm/fiche readers
See additional information about our ongoing and special events by viewing the full event calendar for the Main Library.
Join us for family history research help on the last Tuesday of the month 10:30 am - 1 pm.
You can attend these Special Interest Group meetings either in person at the Genealogy Center or online using Zoom with a link from the Albuquerque Genealogical Society website:
DNA Research Group first Friday of every month 10:30 am - noon.
Military Research Group first Tuesday of the month 10:30 am - noon (will not meet in February).
Creative Writing of Family Stories Group first Tuesday of the month 1:30 pm - 3 pm.
Celtic Group last Tuesday of the month 1:30 pm - 3 pm.
See the Albuquerque Genealogical Society website for details about online meetings. The ABCs of DNA Group meets online only.
Special Programs
Italian Immigrants: Their Lives and Legacy in Albuquerque
presented by David Menicucci
Raised in an Italian family in Albuquerque, professional researcher and author David Menicucci will present the true story of his family’s 200-year odyssey from Lucca, Italy, to capture the American dream in Albuquerque. He unveils fresh history of our City, including almost every Italian family in Albuquerque between 1900 and 1950 -- their businesses, lifestyle, relationships, and many contributions to our community. His new book published by Sunstone Press contains over a hundred historical photos, maps, and diagrams, and dozens of personal stories ranging from glory to despair.
Saturday, May 17 10:30 am - noon
Genealogy Center
Two hours of validated free parking is available with ticket from Very Special Arts multi-level parking garage on SE corner of 5th and Copper.
Italians in Albuquerque Exhibit
Now through the end of June
View a special exhibit of fascinating Italian family heirlooms prepared by David and Barbara Menicucci on the 2nd floor of the Main Library downtown (Genealogy Center).
The Nuevomexicano: Language Loss & Consequences
presented by Judy Alderete Garcia
Many Nuevomexicanos do not speak Spanish today. How and why was the ability to speak Spanish lost, and how does this effect future generations? Judy Alderete Garcia, an Albuquerque writer with deep roots in New Mexico, has edited and published many books to preserve and educate about the Nuevomexicano experience, including Memories of Torreon and Stories of the Manzano Mountains. Judy has a Bachelor’s Degree with a double major in Spanish and Women’s Studies and a minor in Chicano Studies, and a MA in Hispanic Southwest Studies from the University of New Mexico.
Saturday, June 7 10:30 am - noon
Genealogy Center
Research Day Photo
Research Day
Join us for an in-person Research Day the last Tuesday of May -- May 27, 2025! Plan to come to the Genealogy Center any time between 10:30 am and 1:00 pm to get free individual assistance from experienced researchers from the Albuquerque Genealogical Society and Library staff. Experts on genetic genealogy and DNA, military research, New Mexico families, African American families, German families, Celtic genealogy, the Daughters of the American Revolution application process, Mayflower families, and more will be available to help you. Whether you've been researching for a long time or you're just starting out, this is a great day to find out more about your family.
Research Day Mini Class -- Georgia Land Records
On the Research Day on May 27, at 10:30 am, former Albuquerque Genealogical Society President and professional genealogist Philip Spivey will explore a set of remarkable Georgia land records books available at the Genealogy Center and created by Daniel Crumpton. Discover the wealth of information for Georgia ancestors available in these books.
Genealogy Society Programs
Genealogy Society Programs
Don't miss the New Mexico Genealogical Society's 65th Annual Conference October 17-18! See the NMGS website for information about this and other upcoming programs. NMGS Website
These groups led by members of the Albuquerque Genealogical Society now have an option to attend in person at the Genealogy Center or online using Zoom:
Military Research Group, First Tuesday of the month , 10:30 am - noon.
Creative Writing of Family Stories Group, First Tuesday of the month, 1:30 pm - 3 pm
Celtic Group, Last Tuesday of the month, 1:30 pm - 3 pm.
The DNA Special Interest Group and the ABC's of DNA Group are meeting Online only.
See the AGS Website for more information, including dates, times, and links to attend the online meetings. All are free and open to the public.
AGS members are also providing online help with your genealogical research and DNA questions. See the AGS Website to register for online help.
