How do I research Ecuadorian records?

Question

Hello

My friend asked me if I could figure out how to research her tree, and since I know no Spanish or much about Equador I thought I would ask for some hints and advice.

I looked at information at family search and there is some records digitalized but for now I have very little to go on (name and place of birth and an estimated birth date) so I guess I am asking in a broad sense.

Does anyone know what the privacy policy is on Ecuadorian records and if there is a specific place to find them?

There is also a question about surnames, the person in question was born on a plantation sort of situation (hacienda) where I suppose the parents were working and they think the surname might be that of the hacienda owner? Not quite clear on that.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Comments

Just peeked at FamilySearch. They have a huge catalog — separate from the simple record search on the site — and they are the best bet for finding worldwide records without contacting or going to the country directly.

They seem to have some 20th century records from some Ecuadorian places microfilmed. But, what I see is only available in Utah at the huge library there. If a trip to Utah is easier for your friend than a trip to Ecuador, she might reach out to the librarians there to see if there is a reasonable pathway for her to get some useful information through a visit.

Otherwise, if she knows the province in Ecuador, she could reach out directly to the archives (I recommend writing in Spanish) to see if they could do a lookup or help her with a visit.

Answer 1

I agree with Barry.
Family Search is a great starting point.
I can read Spanish and live close to a family history centre that is affiliated with the Church of Latter Day Saints.
I will be happy to help if I can.