Puerto Rico Archives and Libraries

Archives
Diocesan Archive of the Archdiocese of San Juan (Archivo Diocesano de la Arquidiócesis de San Juan) Calle San Sebastián, Old San Juan Section 902196, San Juan, PR 00901-19767 Telephone: (787) 977-1447 Website: Diocesan Archive of the Archdiocese of San Juan


 * The Archivo Diocesano of San Juan holds various documents relating to the history of the Catholic Church in Puerto Rico, Documentation begins from 1799 to the start of the 20th century, some of it concerning the administration of the church. Subseries within the Justice Section (Sección Justicia) include documents of particular interest for the genealogist: Dispensations- Dispensas de Consanguinidad that are case files for permission for couples who are related to marry. Probanzas de Solteria are preliminary documents announcing an intent to marry. Other documents reflect aspects of the 19th century worldview: legitimation of offspring, licenses for contracting marriage and ecclesiastic divorce. As parental permission was required for grooms under the age of 25 and brides under 23, additional family information was recorded. This is a joint effort between the Archdiocese of San Juan, the University of Puerto Rico (Río Piedras Campus), the University of the Sacred Heart and the Center for Advanced Studies of Puerto Rico and Caribbean. Presently as of October 2021, the archives will be moved to another location.

General Archive of Puerto Rico and National Library of Puerto Rico (Archivo General de Puerto Rico y Biblioteca Nacional de Puerto Rico) Ave. Ponce de León # 500 San Juan Website: General Archive of Puerto Rico and National Library of Puerto Rico