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Writer's pictureLisa Hallett Taylor

Debbie Gurtler: 'Hispanic Research in Pre-1850 California' at SCGS Genealogy Jam

Updated: Sep 15

Genealogist Debbie Gurtler will present "Hispanic Research in Pre-1850 California"  on Saturday, October 12, at 12:30 p.m. during the Southern California Genealogical Genealogical Society's (SCGS) upcoming conference, Genealogy Jam. The fall Jamboree's theme is Discovering Your Southwest Heritage.


Researching Hispanics in California Before 1850


California's rich history includes the Native American Period (for about 10,000 years until 1542), the European Exploration Period (1542 to 1769), the Spanish Colonial Period (1769 to 1821), the Mexican Period (1821 to 1848) and United States Statehood (1850 to present).


During Debbie's insightful presentation, attendees will discover resources that are available for researching Hispanics who lived in California before 1850. These resources can be found online, in books, and on-site.


From left: Don José María Estudillo, public domain, Casa de Estudillo / San Diego Historical Society; Debbie Gurtler; Daguerreotype of the Mexican-American War, public domain, Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Yale University; the Mission Santa Barbara by Carlton Watkins, public domain.

About Debbie Gurtler


Debbie Gurtler, AG, is the Assistant Director of the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City. She graduated with honors with a BA in family history from Brigham Young University and earned five Accredited Genealogist credentials for the United States Mid-South, Spain, Mexico, Portugal, and Chile. Debbie interned at the New England Historical Genealogical Society in Biston. Fluent in Spanish, she spent five years in South America and is a frequent speaker on Hispanic research topics at local and national conferences, including RootsTech, NGS, IGHR, and SLIG. She graduated from the National Genealogical Society's ProGen Study Group 54.


Debbie has researched in several major and provincial archives in Spain and has experience with the major archives of Portugal. She has researched throughout Latin America, Quebec, France, Italy, and the United States. She presents regularly at regional and national conferences, including RootsTech, NGS, IGHR, and SLIG.


Debbie is the author of Genealogy at a Glance: Mexico Genealogy Research, which is available on Genealogical.com.


Genealogy Jam is a Hybrid Event


Genealogy Jamboree 2024 will be held on Saturday, October 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. PDT. Attendees can visit the SCGS Family Research Library in Burbank to view presentations with members and attendees or watch it online. Both in-person and online formats allow you to attend the the live question-and-answer sessions after each presentation. Consult the Jamboree pages for additional speakers and information.


njoy Lunch and Celebrate SCGS's 60th Anniversary at the Family Research Library


Those who attend the live viewing party at the SCGS Family Research Library in Burbank on October 12 will have the opportunity to enjoy a pre-ordered box lunch and meet other members. At some point in the afternoon, everyone will gather to celebrate our 60th anniversary with a big, delicious cake. Come alone and meet like-minded family history buffs, or invite a friend or family member—the more, the merrier!


You'll Walk Away With New Ways to Research the Southwest


Our new SCGS Genealogy Jam conference will occur several times each year to highlight speakers and topics specific to one area of research.  Since the Southern California Genealogical Society is located in the Southwestern portion of the United States and most of our previous conference attendees have come from this area, we are starting the new conference series by focusing on our rich geographical area. Our speakers' presentations will cover the Southwestern United States, including California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado, Texas, and Baja California to broaden our research area.


Our Pricing Starts at an Amazingly Low $30 for the Entire Conference


SCGS's Genealogy Jam will be presented in a hybrid format. It will cost $30 for SCGS members and $80 for non-members. Yes, you will actually save money on this one-day conference if you become a member for just $40. We want more people who live in Southern California, have roots here, or want to join one of the nation's largest genealogical societies and enjoy its many benefits to become part of the SCGS family. Register now!


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