Union Protectiva de Santa Fe, Nuevo Mexico is one of the oldest Spanish Fraternal Organizations in the United States. We formed in 1915 and chartered and established in 1916 by Marcelino Apodaca to help preserve the language, traditions, history, folklore, and culture of Santa Fe, New Mexico, for future generations and descendants of the original Spanish Colonists.
Marcelino, a native son of Santa Fe NM was born in 1880 and organized and formed our organization. He was our first President and served for the first 16 years of our existence. Under his guidance, we had grown to more than 1000 members and the creation of a Lady's Auxiliary. Marcelino served as President once again in 1948 (See photo below). He passed away in 1959 leaving behind his widow Marcelina Rodriguez Apodaca and leaving a legacy.