| Date | Source / Repository | Purpose | Results | Next Steps |
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Entries are saved automatically in your browser. Use Download CSV to export a backup or Copy for Sheets to paste into Google Sheets or Excel.
Systematic Planning Strategy
The 1885 Divide
Puerto Rican research is divided by the Civil Registry implemented on January 1, 1885.
- Post-1885: Registro Civil is the priority. Records list grandparents and places of origin.
- Pre-1885: Registros Parroquiales (Catholic Church). Search Bautismos, Matrimonios, and Entierros.
Naming Conventions
Always record the double surname: [First] [Paternal] [Maternal].
- Women keep their maiden names throughout their lives in records.
- The maternal surname is your greatest asset for tracking female lineages across centuries.
FAN Club Strategy
Research Family, Associates, and Neighbors — not just direct ancestors.
- Witnesses on documents are often relatives or close neighbors.
- Godparents (padrinos) frequently indicate family connections.
- Compadrazgo ties can reveal kinship when surnames differ.
Negative Evidence
Documenting what you did not find is as important as what you found.
- Record every search even when it yields no results.
- Note gaps in record survival (fires, floods, gaps in registers).
- A documented negative search prevents duplicated effort.
FS: Civil Registry ↗
Puerto Rico births, marriages, deaths (1885–2001).
FS: Church Records ↗
Catholic registers dating back to the 1600s.
FS: All PR Records ↗
Browse all FamilySearch Puerto Rico collections.
PARES (Spanish Archives) ↗
Colonial era documents and military records from Spain.
FS: PR Research Wiki ↗
Research guidance, record types, and repository information.
Research Guides
Step-by-step guides for Puerto Rican genealogy on this site.
▶ How to use this log with Google Sheets
No account or extension needed — use the Copy for Sheets button at the top of the page to paste your log directly into any Google Sheet.
- Click Copy for Sheets at the top of this page.
- Open Google Sheets and open or create a spreadsheet.
- Click cell A1, then paste (Ctrl+V / Cmd+V). Each field — Date, Source, Purpose, Results, Next Steps — lands in its own column automatically.
- To add new entries later without overwriting existing rows, click the first empty cell in column A, then paste.
Tip: After pasting, select row 1 and choose View → Freeze → 1 row to keep the header visible while scrolling.
A pre-formatted Google Sheets template (frozen header, color-coded columns) is planned. Check back soon.
How to Use This Research Log
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What is the purpose of this research log?
This log helps you track your genealogical searches, prevents duplicate effort, and supports the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) by documenting both positive and negative results.
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Where is my data saved?
Your entries are saved automatically in your web browser's local storage. You must use the "Download CSV" button to back up your data locally; otherwise, clearing your browser cache will delete your log permanently.
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How do I format my sources?
Enter your citations in the "Source / Repository" column using the Evidence Explained standard. Ensure you capture the specific nuances of original manuscript records rather than relying on generic derivative citations.
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How do I export my data?
Click "Download CSV" to save a file to your computer, or use "Copy for Sheets" to instantly paste your log into Google Sheets or Excel.
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Can I load previous logs?
Yes. Use the "Import CSV" button to upload a previously saved log from your computer and continue your research session.