Knowing our family history is essential to our cultural identity as the First People of Guåhan. Our ancestral legacy is key to understanding our system of kinship, reciprocity, and obligation which informs CHamoru values and traditions. During these uncertain times when people feel isolated and alienated, the sense of belonging that comes from knowing your roots contributes to community wellbeing.

Our Genealogy Research Lab provides a community space for accessing critical resources including the Kumisión’s genealogical database and Family Tree Software. It also serves as a networking hub for those interested in conducting family history research. Guest users will be able to schedule appointments to visit the lab, build their family trees, and utilize available resources with the assistance of Kumisión staff.

CHamoru family historians and local genealogy buffs have contributed their life-long research data to augment the foundation of our database acquired from Mr. Bernard Punzalan of CHamoru Roots. We look forward to growing our platform with rich resources from the community. To this end, we welcome the contributions of families who have already conducted genealogical research and have compiled their work in books, reunion pamphlets, or digital databases. Those interested in documenting their family history will find our collection as a great starting place for their journey.

OPERATIONAL STRATEGY

for Genealogy Lab, Database and Archival Resources

Assigned Staff, Guest User, and Genealogy Associate Roles

1. Staff Roles: Will assist guest users with access, input and edit database information, print records requested, and upload photographs and other multimedia contributions.
   1. Francisco Santos and Lucia Calvo will coordinate the database, and technical operations, supervise data entry, integrate donated records, and maintain equipment, data backups, and security.
   2. Savannah Concepcion and Piatra Tuncap will control and assign user accounts, coordinate scheduling for users; facilitate network, create and file forms, and provide assistance with data entry on the Family Tree Program.
   3. Lucia Calvo, Elerida Cruz, and Peter Constantino will coordinate acquisitions of family resources, conduct family clan research, and provide assistance with data entry on the Family Tree Program.
2. Guest User Roles: Will have guided staff access to viewing the database, using available print and electronic resources, creating personal family trees in the Family Tree Program, and making contributions and suggestions for additions and changes to the database.
3. Genealogy Associate Roles: Will share their expertise with Kumisión staff and assist with data collection and verification.

Lab Hours of Operation

Monday and Wednesday 9 am – 12 pm

Tuesday 1 – 4 pm

Use of Lab/Archive Resources

Preferably by appointment using the scheduling feature through the Kumisión website.

Walk-ins are accepted upon availability of staff during hours of operation only.

Process Flow Chart

Resources

Downloadable Files

Guest User

Registration Form