Spanish Researcher José Antonio González Marrero Receives U.S. National Genealogical Society Award of Merit
University of La Laguna professor José Antonio González Marrero has become the first Spanish researcher to receive the U.S. National Genealogical Society’s Award of Merit for his significant contributions to the study of transatlantic family history.
Spanish genealogy has reached a new international milestone following the recognition of José Antonio González Marrero by the U.S. National Genealogical Society (NGS). The University of La Laguna professor is the first researcher from Spain to receive the society’s Award of Merit, an honor that highlights the importance of family history in understanding migration and transatlantic identity.
The award was presented during the 2026 Family History Conference in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in recognition of González Marrero’s five-year commitment to the study of lineages. The NGS, founded in 1903, praised the Tenerife-born philologist for elevating genealogical research to a rigorous academic standard, making historical records more accessible and helping to preserve collective memory.
Although his work began in southern Tenerife, its impact is global. Through a dozen monographs and numerous contributions to scientific journals, González Marrero has bridged the gap between Canarian family history and the Hispanic diaspora in the Americas. This work, along with his participation in global forums like RootsTech and his educational programs in Cuba, Spain, and the U.S., was key to the NGS’s decision.
Beyond his research, the Latin Philology professor has built a strong academic network, coordinating the Arona Genealogy Conference and directing the Cycle of Genealogy and Family History of the Canary Islands. This award not only honors his individual achievements but also highlights the value of parish and civil records as essential tools for reconstructing the social history of communities on the international stage.