The Cherokee Princess Myth

FINDING YOUR HISPANIC AND NATIVE AMERICAN ANCESTORS

THIS FALL, we celebrate the heritage of our Hispanic and Native American communities — their contributions, histories, and cultures. Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 marks Hispanic Heritage month, while celebrations for Native Americans fall in November. At the library, we are highlighting these heritage months by offering two new programs, Hispanic Genealogy and Native American Genealogy.

Hispanic Genealogy will cover how to do research using Spanish genealogy terms, Latin American or Spanish records, and looking at countries that have high immigration rates to the United States, in particular North Carolina.

Native American Genealogy will cover how to use different types of records specific to Native Americans, special terminology, and different North Carolina tribes and their locations.

The search for native heritage can be hard and time- consuming, especially depending on the tribe. Native American ancestry is rich in this state, which boasts the tribes of the Eastern Cherokee, Lumbee, Catawba, and more. Tribal nations not only make up the heritage for Native Americans but for Hispanic people as well. While often thought of as completely separate identities, Hispanic people usually have some native roots mixed with European. The tribes their ancestors belonged to might differ and so will the records.

DNA testing companies, like Ancestry or 23andMe, will give rough estimates of Native American heritage, but the responsibility for finding an actual indigenous ancestor rests with the genealogist. Often, especially in North Carolina, it seems like every family has a story of Native American ancestry. This phenomenon is called the “Cherokee princess myth” where families pass down stories of Native American ancestry (typically a Cherokee princess), but no other proof.

I had this story in my family. It was said that my great, great, great, great — oh wait — I lost count, grandma was the daughter of a Native American chief or at least a member of the tribe. It was never said what tribe and no one ever explained beyond that. When looking into this years later, it became clear to me how unlikely it was that this ancestor was Native American. She was more likely of English descent. It was just an old story passed down through the family due to my ancestor’s unusual maiden name of Truelove. I was able to find this out from research into the census records, as well as deeds and wills, but those with actual Native American ancestry could find ancestors on special censuses, annuity rolls, allotment records, and more.

One resource I would recommend for anyone interested in Hispanic genealogy is “The Latino Migration Experience in North Carolina: New Roots in the Old North State” by Hannah Gill. It is based on 21st-century research conducted by the author, who describes the Latino migration to North Carolina during more recent history but also includes more historic migrations and the Spanish and English travels in North Carolina.

Many genealogy questions are answered by finding records like death certificates or passenger lists, but we can’t forget to think outside the box. You can also research the history of the location or time period your ancestor lived. It could explain why an ancestor moved or opened a business. Using books like “The Latino Migration Experience in North Carolina” can help to paint a more colorful picture of what life was like for your ancestor or give you questions to ask your living relatives. I| S

Many genealogy questions are answered by finding records like death certificates or passenger lists, but we can’t forget to think outside the box.

— GRACE MAY, NC collection special collections librarian

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Hispanic Heritage Month: All About Alebrijes

Sept. 21 at 5:30 p.m.

Learn all about alebrijes and how to create your own with Tina H. Smith from WFU’s Museum Of Anthropology in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. A limited number of craft supply packets are available for pickup at the Lewisville Branch Library ahead of the program. To register, email Mia Jordan at jordanmc@forsyth.cc.

Hispanic/Native American Heritage Month-Related Program Hispanic Genealogy (Virtual)

Oct. 5 at 6 p.m.

Have you ever wondered about your Hispanic heritage? Learn about different types of records, specific Spanish terminology, and different countries that relate to Hispanic genealogy.