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A few years ago, I stood in line waiting to tour Monticello, the rural Virginia home of Thomas Jefferson. The tourist next to me asked where I was from. I told her I lived in New Mexico.

"Really?" she looked surprised. "You're a long ways from home. My daughter went down there a few years ago to study Spanish, in a town called Monterrey. Have you been there?"

"I'm from New Mexico," I said, emphasizing the New.

She must have decided I didn't speak English well enough to understand her, because she smiled weakly and turned away to speak to someone else.

I didn't feel like launching into a geography lesson, so I let the subject drop.

Geography-challenged Americans have a peculiar habit of overlooking, misplacing, or flat-out ignoring New Mexico.

Show skeptics a United States map and they'll find New Mexico (after we steer them toward the Southwest) right where it has been for centuries.

New Mexico isn't hard to find on a genealogical map, either. The genealogical road map of New Mexico is like a crossroad filled with billboards.

In other words, if you've got New Mexico ancestors, you're on the road to pay dirt.

Before beginning your genealogical journey through New Mexico, you may want to pick up a copy of the newly revised "Genealogical Resources in New Mexico." Written by Karen Stein Daniel, this essential reference book outlines the records unique to New Mexico.

The book also helps New Mexico researchers find resources in the state with clues about our ancestors. You can order your copy from the New Mexico Genealogical Society Web site, nmgs.org.

After getting an overview of the resources, hit the road and visit some of the landmark genealogical repositories.

In Albuquerque, stopping by the Special Collections Library is a must. Located at Edith and Central, this branch of the public library system specializes in genealogical materials.

Especially important for New Mexico research are the microfilmed records of the Spanish era, the Mexican era, and the Territorial era.

The Special Collections Library also has thousands of books filled with genealogical data.

Another important research facility is the New Mexico State Records Center and Archives in Santa Fe. Loaded with government documents and personal papers, you're sure to find traces of your New Mexico ancestors here.

Many New Mexico counties have local genealogical or historical societies that also house and document family history resources. Find a list of those in the "Genealogical Resources in New Mexico" book.

You can also find a succinct overview of New Mexico resources in the "Redbook" and in "The Handybook for Genealogists," both available at your local library.

Next week, I'll review some of the online resources rich with information about your New Mexico ancestors.