The Cuban Family Roots Podcast feature stories and interviews of everyday Cubans and their journey to finding ancestral roots. Since its discovery in 1492, Cuba became a migration hub for Europeans, Asians, and people all over the world. Do you know your family roots? This podcast will provide historical facts, interviews and genealogical tips to help you get started in your genealogical journey. We hope every episode will provides a roadmap in finding your Cuban family roots.
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In this episode, I have the honor of interviewing Genie Milgrom. Genie is a Cuban-American born to a Catholic family. She wrestled most of the life with the Catholic dogma and although rooted in a traditional Catholic family, she converted to Judaism. She immersed herself in the search for her past and in her quest to discover her ancestry discovers her ancestors were part of the Spanish Inquisition. Her Journey led her to writing books, digitizing archives and most recently, created a tell all documentary of her journey. She even established a website to help those wanting to research their own Jewish Ancestry through the Archives in Spain.
End of Year 2023 Wrap up (01:32:28)
In this episode I compiled three fascinating interviews from years passed. If you never listened to these episodes before, this interviews are fascinating. The first is with Alina Garcia LaPuerta who discussed Spanish Nobility in Cuba through her book,
La Belle Creole: The Cuban Countess who Captivated Havana, Madrid and Paris. Next, I am fortunate to interview Steven, Ownyeng, a chinese American who tells us about the Chnese migration to Cuba and all the contributions made by Chinese in Cuba. And finally, a very passionate French Cuban Author, William Navarrete who discusses his Genealogy book abut the town of Holguin. Enjoy!
All about the Cuban Genealogy Club of Miami (00:24:52)
In this episode I get to chat with Lourdes Del Pino Olazabal, Vice-President of the Cuban Genealogy Club of Miami, about how she became part of the club during its initial founding back in 2002. Throughout our chat she explains the many benefits of becoming a member of the club. The Club's website is a hub for numerous databases, including documents from 21 churches in various provinces, cemeteries, land and military records, and passenger lists just to name a few. Lourdes also discusses her role as collaborator in the PBS show Finding your Roots.
Introduction - The Basics of Cuban Genealogy (00:41:57)
In this episode of the Basic of Cuban Genealogy, I hope to share with my rookie genealogist information on how to begin their Cuban genealogy search. They will learn about Cuban church and parish records, where to search military records. I emphasize the importance of understanding Cuban history and where to search for ship passengers, newspaper announcement, and places where records can be found and types of records to find. I wrap up the podcast with information on how to chose a family tree software, DNA testing and cemetery searches.
Genealogia y Haplogrupos en Cuba (00:37:43)
En este episodio tengo el placer de entrevistar a Samuel Martínez Alcalá, un joven cubano residente en España que inició un ambicioso proyecto combinando la genealogía cubana con la ciencia de tras de los Haplogrupos para encontrar la populación genética de cubanos y definir a que grupo ancestral pertenecen. A lo largo de la entrevista, Samuel explica cuál
es el objetivo del proyecto y cómo puedes tu ser una parte integral en él. ¡No te pierdas este interesante episodio!
Por la Pasion a la Genealogia - Entrevista II (00:24:00)
En este episodio de Cuban Family Roots tenemos el placer de entrevistar al escritor cubano, William Navarrete quien publicó su segundo libro de genealógia titulado, Primeras Familias, Pobaldo y Ciudad de San Isidoro de Holguín: Estudios de Genealogía Cubana. El explica que el libro se basa en los matrimonios sacramentales registrados en el primer libro de la iglesia de San Isidoro de Holguín entre 1730 y 1763. Gracias a este estudio, los descendientes de los Holguineros de ayer podrán encontrar una fuente confiable para sus búsquedas genealógicas. Debido a su pasión por la genealogía desde muy joven, Navarrete aspira a extender a los estudios genealógicos más allá de la ciudad de Holguín para abarcar otras ciudades de la provincia de Oriente. Su objetivo final es continual escribiendo libros de estudios genealogíco para que los cubanos en la región oriental del país tengan acceso a sus investigaciónes genealógica.
Reconnecting with my Cuban Roots (00:38:40)
In this episode I interview Gerardo Gonzalez who recounts his childhood in Placetas. He discusses with me how it was to return to the Cuba he left as a young boy to reconnect with his roots. He recounts moments in his life while in Cuba and his love for his grandfather who he never was able to see again. He dedicates his memoir to all the refugees who have an opportunity to come to America, the beautiful. As a Dean at Indiana University, he was fortunate to initiate a scholarship fund to help other who came looking for a better life in America. Everything he was able to accomplish was because he had his grandfather and family who were his anchors throughout his life. Proceeds from the memoir are donated to refugees, Cuban or not.
Lesson Learned: The story of the Puig Family of Cuba (00:27:27)
Today I interviewed Luis Tomas Puig as he recounts his family search dating back to 1600. A trip to Blanes, a village only an hour North of Barcelona, Spain awakened his curiosity further as he reconnects with his Grandfather's family, a family he had never met. During the trip, he visited cemeteries, churches and collected pictures of his great-grandfather and other ancestors. He learned he was related the DiPuig families of France and Italy and that the line connects with the Germans and Austrians. With a sample of his raw DNA, he was able to uncover his ancient ancestors. Luis, a military man with 20 years of service deicide to go further and wrote a memoir about his family and the struggles while living in communist Cuba. A rish family legacy he will leave for his descendants. Don't miss this fascinating episode!
Early Cuba - Florida Connection, Part I (00:23:02)
Christian recounts his journey to rescuing Spanish – American heritage and tells us of fishermen on the Gulf Coast who fished the waters alongside their Indian fishing partners known as the “Spanish Indians” and some freed black slaves. Christian was inspired to and began to investigate the lives of these fishermen and their influence in the region. From the Tampa Bay down to the condominium developments at Punta Rassa, several Spanish and Cuban fishermen settled in the region establishing fishing camps called “ranchos. Throughout the interview he tells us what he discovered and enlightens us on the presence of Cubans in early Florida and the strong Cuba-Florida connections.
Cuban Greatest Composers (00:19:59)
It is obvious that the first popular music played in Cuba after the Spanish conquest was brought by the Spanish conquerors themselves, and was most likely borrowed from the Spanish popular music in vogue during the 16th century. Then at the end of the 18th century, the piano rapidly became one of the favorite instruments among the Cuban population. The best preserved are the African polytheistic religions, where, in Cuba at least, the instruments, the language, the chants, the dances and their interpretations are quite well preserved. Aside from the Spanish and African influence, Cuban music has been immensely influential in other countries. It contributed not only to the development of jazz and salsa, but also to the Argentine tango, Ghanaian high-life, West African Afrobeat, Dominican Bachata and Merengue, Colombian Cumbia and Spanish Nuevo flamenco. Today Chris and I discuss a few of Cuba's greatest Composers.
Unknown Cubans in Early American History (00:18:27)
In this episode Christian highlights five unknown Cubans who played a major role in America's early formation. We can no longer depend on others to discuss our involvement in America's story, it is now up to us to identify Cubans who made significant contributions to America. The story belongs to us and must be told by us. Don't miss this episode and learn about these five Cubans who may be your ancestors!
Six Cuban Genealogy Myths Debunked (00:17:08)
In this episode, Christian and I explore six Cuban Genealogy myths. Although Cubans do not use online resources to find Cuban Genealogy information, there’s a considerable amount of misinformation and false myths in Cuban genealogy and history. Some are comfortable in maintaining these myths and no one dares to challenge them. An honest genealogist/family historian will go to great length to documents, verify and corroborate information. Christian and I debunk these myths to maintain truth and honest family history.
Municipio La Salud (00:31:38)
En este episodio tengo el placer de entrevistar a Ignacio Cabrera Mas, un Saludeño de pura cepa que dedicó 20 años a construir una enciclopedia del Municipio de La Salud. La Salud es la localidad más pequeña de la provincia de La Habana y por diversas razones se fue quedando cada vez más atrazagada hasta perder su Ayuntamiento. En este episodio nos dedicamos a rendir homenaje a un pueblo que lucha por mantener su identidad e independencia. Si no hubieran detenido el desarrollo del pueblo de Santo Cristo de la Salud, hubiera sido una de las ciudades más importantes de Cuba... por su tradiciones, historia y cultura.
Cada Familia Tiene su Historia (00:39:22)
En este episodio #18 de Cuban Family Roots tengo el placer de entrevistar a mi amiga y presentadora del Green Plantain Podcast (Plátano Verde), Susana Jiménez Mueller. Susana nos cuenta su trayectoria genealógica y anécdotas de su paso por Cuba. También nos da un poco de información sobre sus nuevos libros y colaboraciones. ¡No te pierdas este episodio!
All about the CubanGenWeb.org (00:17:55)
In this episode of the Cuban Family Roots podcast, I have the pleasure of interviewing Ed Elizondo, a retired engineer and the first to bring us virutal Cuban genealogy repository through the CubanGenWeb.org website which he created back in 1996. Since then, the CubaGenWeb.org has been a great resource for Cuban genealogy data and has facilitated the search for many Cubans when looking to finding their genealogy. Throughout the interview, Ed tells us what motivated him in starting this resourceful site to help those to search their family history and information.
The Forgotten History of Koreans in Cuba (00:28:12)
The history of the Korean migration to Cuba was small by the number and forgotten. It was revived recently when Joseph John, a Korean American featured the film JERONIMO in 2019. The film explores the life of a Cuban of Korean-descent named Jeronimo Lim. Throughout the document we see Jeronimo's attempt "to unveil a forgotten chapter in the history of Korean diaspora" Throughout the interview, John explain how and why the Koreans came to Cuba and offers information about various Korean-Cuban organizations form through Jeronimo Lim's efforts to create the first annual census of people with “Korean blood." If you are a Korean-Cuban or Cuban of Korean blood, tune in!
Cuban Aristocracy: The Cuban Countess (00:35:17)
March is Women's History Month. In this podcast episode we celebrate Women's History Month by celebrating our Cuban Countess, Maria Mercedes Santa Cruz y Montalvo, a woman larger than life which little is known or written about in our Cuban history. She was not only part of Cuban aristocracy, she was a singer and the first Cuban-woman writer of her time. Mercedes' memoir and travel writings specifically, "Viaje a La Habana" introduces 19th century Cuban society to many Europeans. Of the many contributions, we discuss her influence behind the slavery debate. Imagine, a Cuban woman born in La Habana, rubbing shoulders with people as influential as Goya, Rossini, Balzac, and even European royalty at a time when women's roles were extremely limited. Alina Garcia LaPuerta author of this historical biography titled, La Belle Creole. discusses how she hopes her book revives the life and contributions of this fascinating Cuban woman for this, and the next generation of Cuban-Americans
The Irish in Cuba (00:41:27)
This episode of The Irish in Cuba provides a historical perspective of the Irish migration in the Island. Although the Irish migration to Cuba was not directly from Ireland, the host explains how significant it was to the development of Cuban economy and culture. Prohibition is mentioned as a time when several Irish bar owners from both New York and Boston also settled in Habana. In addition, an interview with a Cuban-American reveals how he came to learn about his Irish roots and his journey to tracing his Irish ancestors, the O'Halloran. In the last segment, the guest offers some tips on how one can begin researching Irish ancestry.
Chinese in Cuba (00:51:26)
In this episode I discuss the Chinese migration to Cuba from 1850 when the Chinese arrived to toil in Cuba's Sugarcane fields to the second migration of 1870's when more than 40,000 Chinese arrived to the Island. In addition, I discuss the establishment of El Barrio Chino in La Habana and later the migration from California in the 1900's. My guest, Steven Owyang, a Chinese American with family in Cuba, also provides information on why the Chinese came to Cuba and most importantly, he discusses how Chinese Cubans and Cuban of Chinese heritage can begin to research their ancestors back to China. Owyang has been a volunteer, leader, and lecturer for Friends of Roots (FOR), a non-profit all volunteer organization that helps Chinese Americans research their genealogy and family history, learn about Chinese history and culture, and visit their ancestral villages in China. More recently, FOR has taken groups to visit the Chinese communities in Cuba in March 2020.
The 12 Greatest Cuban Genealogy Resources (00:27:40)
As young Cuban Americans who loves genealogy, Aileen and Christian want to share their passion and knowledge of genealogy they've gathered through the years with the rest of the Cuban Community. In honor of the 12 months of the year, they bring you Cuban Genealogy resources that they feel are the greatest resources for searching your Cuban family roots. The resources mention include databases for searching Cuban family both here and on the Island.
Por la pasion a la Genealogia (00:24:31)
En este episodio entrevistamos al escritor y novelista cubano William Navarrete. Navarrete analiza su primer libro genealogico titulado, Genealogia Cubana. San Isidoro de Holguín, el cual trabajó con la colaboradora María Dolores Espino. Durante la entrevista habla de las pruebas y tribulaciones de armar esta gran producción genealógica. Fue durante la década de 1990, cuando no había Internet, que se embarcó en este viaje Pero, fue su pasión por la genealogía lo que lo llevó a componer este libro. El Padrón de San Isidoro de Holguín es un documento de valor inestimable no solo para la historia de esta región oriental de la Isla. En él podrán encontrar los holguineros a muchos de sus ancestros, y los investigadores una semblanza imprescindible más allá de la genealogía, la cultura y las costumbres de una época
The Miyares Family of Cuba (01:06:37)
In this episode 11, we focus on the Miyares Family of Cuba. A family that extended its roots throughout Central, South America, and Puerto Rico. In this episode, we'll explore the history of Miyares Family originally from Spain and how they made their way to the Americas. In addition, we tell the story of one of their descendants, Jack McGhee. Jack was secretly adopted by a maternal family member. He finds out that he is not their biological child through a revelation from his son, Lance Lane. Although Jack grew up with love and security provided by the Lanes, he felt a sense of betrayal when he found out he was not their biological child.. In 2013, his son decided to help his Jack find their biological family and their journey led them to the Miyares Family. This episode offers interviews with Lance Lane, Griselle Lindo, Danny Valentin and Ashley Gonzalez, as they walk us through their journey to finding who is Jack's ancestors, the Miyares.
Common Cuban Surnames (00:29:03)
In this episode, we bring you Common Cuban Surnames which have originated from Spain and Portugal, and later Italy and other parts of Europe. Today, some Cubans can traced their surnames all the way back to places from which their families emigrated. We also discuss some not-so common Cuban Surnames. So, Where did your last name come from? Could it have been a distant ancestor’s occupation? Maybe it tells you what your great-great-great-great grandparents looked like! Whatever your last name is, there’s definitely a story behind it. In today's episode, Chris and I explore the most common Cuban surnames which made their way to the Cuba during colonization. Don't miss this episode of the most Common Cuban Surnames!
The Jews of Cuba (00:44:55)
In this episode I recount the early settlement of Jews to Cuba beginning in 1508 when the new Christians arrived in Habana. I discuss the inquisition proceeding to the tribunals of 17th century until the abolition of the Spanish Inquisition in 1834. I also discuss the many contribution Jews made in Cuba from aiding Cubans in the war of independence to the founding of Cuba's cane sugar fields and the first refineries. Then in the 1900's the migration of the Young Turks which brought many Sephardi Jews to Cuba and later in the 1920's, Ashkenazi's began to migrate to Cuba. The Jews began a great emigration from Cuba after Fidel Castro assumed power in January 1959, following an armed revolution against Batista. The Jews begin to settle in South Florida, a community that still lives today. In the second Segment, my guest Marcos Kerbel, a distinguished international banker and University professor, consultant and community leader tells us about why and how his Jewish parents and grandparents ended up migrating to Cuba. Marcos was born in Cuba and raised in La Habana’s Guanabacoa neighborhood. Throughout the interview he recounts his life in Cuba and what it was like to be Jewish in Cuba during that time. When Castro took possession of Cuba in 1959, Marcos immigrated to the United States via Operation Peter Pan.
The History of El Conde de Jaruco (00:49:03)
Did you know that in Cuba there were approximately 10 Count titles? Today we are going to dive deeply into the story of El conde de Jaruco. We will interview one of the the family member of the descendants, Ernesto Bustillo y Sotolongo. He provides information about the Santa Cruz family and explain the history behind this noble title, why and how the nine volumes of “Historia de Familias Cubana” were published. Historia de Familias Cubana is one of the greatest Cuban genealogy resources available to Cubans who are searching their family roots.
