20 Archives and Libraries to Research your South American Ancestors

research: family history
Map of South America

If you are researching your South American ancestors, there are many archives and libraries that can be helpful resources.

  • I have French ancestors and I've always found it difficult to find them in French depositories since I don't speak French.
  • However, I've found quite a bit of information at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, so don't worry about not knowing the language.
  • The LDS Library is an amazing place if you ever get the opportunity to visit.

In this article, you'll find a list of 20 archives and libraries throughout South America that you may want to consider as you begin your research.

  1. The National Library of Argentina (Biblioteca Nacional de Argentina)
  2. National Archives of Argentina (Archivo Nacional de Argentina)
  3. National Library of Brazil (Biblioteca Nacional do Brasil)
  4. National Archives of Brazil (Arquivo Nacional do Brasil)
  5. National Library of Chile (Biblioteca Nacional de Chile)
  6. National Archives of Chile (Archivo Nacional de Chile)
  7. National Library of Colombia (Biblioteca Nacional de Colombia)
  8. National Archives of Colombia (Archivo Nacional de Colombia)
  9. National Library of Ecuador (Biblioteca Nacional del Ecuador)
  10. National Archives of Ecuador (Archivo Nacional del Ecuador)
  11. National Library of Peru (Biblioteca Nacional del Perú)
  12. National Archives of Peru (Archivo Nacional del Perú)
  13. National Library of Uruguay (Biblioteca Nacional del Uruguay)
  14. National Archives of Uruguay (Archivo Nacional del Uruguay)
  15. National Library of Venezuela (Biblioteca Nacional de Venezuela)
  16. National Archives of Venezuela (Archivo Nacional de Venezuela)
  17. National Library of Bolivia (Biblioteca Nacional de Bolivia)
  18. National Archives of Bolivia (Archivo Nacional de Bolivia)
  19. National Library of Paraguay (Biblioteca Nacional del Paraguay)
  20. National Archives of Paraguay (Archivo Nacional del Paraguay)

This list is a great start and can be valuable sources of information for anyone looking to research their South American ancestors.

Click on the quick links above and send an email to their information desk asking for assistance.

If you don't speak Spanish, you can easily translate your letter using google translate.

Give it a try!

You never know who will help you with the missing pieces of your family puzzle.

  • It's important to reach out to these archives because you can learn so much about your family's history and cultural heritage. 
  • Perhaps you'll connect with living relatives you never knew you had.
  • Plus, it's a rewarding experience understanding the history and culture of another country.

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