January 2026.
West Indian regiment in their camp, France, during World War I, January 1918
HAVE YOU MADE AN IMPORTANT DISCOVERY THROUGH US?
Do you have news of a discovery to share with the Ancestors of Paradise community? If you’ve uncovered an important piece of your family history through the resources we share here on our site, we would love to hear from you! Maybe it was an important birth or marriage record for a grandparent, a census record, or ship passenger list that unlocked a family history long forgotten.
Share the story of your research journey with Ancestors of Paradise so that the rich stories of our Caribbean ancestors no longer go untold!
GENERAL
These images from the Colonial Office library photographic collection (CO 1069) and the Central Office of Information British Empire collection of photographs (INF 10) have been added to Flickr so that you can comment, tag and share them easily. The images are also being used to develop exciting national community outreach projects.
BILLIONGRAVES
BillionGraves is the world's largest resource for searchable GPS cemetery data, and is growing bigger and better every day. You can help by collecting headstone images from local and other cemeteries, and then by transcribing the personal information found on the images.
FOLD3 ($)
Fold3® features premier collections of original military records. These records include the stories, photos, and personal documents of the men and women who served in the military. Many of the records come from the U.S. National archives, The National Archives of the U.K. and other international records.
NEWSPAPERS.COM ($)
Newspapers.com™ is the largest online newspaper archive consisting of 1 billion+ pages of historical newspapers from 29,900+ newspapers from around the United States and beyond. Newspapers provide a unique view of the past and can help us understand and connect with the people, events and attitudes of an earlier time.
US NEWSPAPER ARCHIVE | GENEALOGYBANK ($)
GenealogyBank is the largest and fastest growing newspaper archive for genealogy and family history research. 95% of our newspapers are exclusive to GenealogyBank, which means you will discover new facts and stories about your ancestors not found elsewhere. Our online records include over 316 million newspaper obituaries and death records covering over 327 years from over 16,000 newspapers, some of which go all the way back to 1690!
You can explore newspaper archives from large metropolitan cities as well as small towns from across all 50 states. So no matter where your ancestors lived, chances are good there are more than just a few stories of your descendants.
BARBADOS
WUK UP AND LANDOWNERSHIP - LIFE IN 1850’S BARBADOS | KNOW YOUR CARIBBEAN
Contrary to popular belief, acts of resistance occurred across the Caribbean during the era of slavery. This episode features 4 stories of revenge from two Caribbean islands, an insight into enslaved African spiritual beliefs, and how revenge was a bittersweet response to slavery.
CARIBBEAN CHATTEL SLAVERY
ASSOCIATION FOR MAROON STUDIES
AMS is interdisciplinary organization dedicated to research, historical documentation and climate-change informed preservation of material culture.
BAD GYAL STORIES - WOMEN IN RESISTANCE POST EMANCIPTION | KNOW YOUR CARIBBEAN
Celebrating the unknown and uncelebrated histories of women and resistance in the Caribbean. Emancipation and the apprenticeship period was not a 'lighter' version of enslavement for many as we were made to believe. How did Caribbean women resist? Find out here.
CHRISTIANITY AND THE CARIBBEAN - UNKOWN THRUTH OF SLAVERY AND THE CHURCH | KNOW YOUR CARIBBEAN
The church, one of the largest and most powerful institutions in the world. The church has shaped this planet from schooling, to economics and of course the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade. From validating slavery, petitioning for abolition but also being grafters and slave owners themselves.
In this episode learn about the writer of the famous gospel 'Amazing Grace' was a slave trader how Dominica's African slave economy was founded by a Black Christian, how Barbados plantations bolstered the Church of England, and how a 27yr old Deacon was the leader of one of the largest slave revolts in history.
CHRISTIANITY AND SLAVERY - THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN THE TRANS ATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE - PART 2 | KNOW YOUR CARIBBEAN
An insight into the complex role of the Church with the Trans Atlantic Slave trade. Its recruitment, and impact in Africa and the Caribbean. Guest from Ghana Nii Tetteh gives insight into Christianity West Africa whilst we dissect the nuances of the very complicated history we have with the Chrstian Fatih.
GANGSTA STORIES - THE SURINAME MAROONS | KNOW YOUR CARIBBEAN
In this episode we discuss the gangsta stories of one of the largest Maroon strongholds to ever exist. 20,000 strong, holding on to ancient African traditions, we show love and tell the stories of the complex legacy of the Maroons of Suriname, some of the most gangsta rebels in Caribbean history.
THE MAROONS OF DOMINICA | KNOW YOUR CARIBBEAN
An insight into the history of the Maroons of Dominica, a country with the last Kalinago stronghold, home to Maroon country that was larger than the entire island of Barbados. Stories of resistance and rebellion against enslavement, and the complex dynamics of societies in the Caribbean.
Featured music - The Kalinago National Anthem, as features in the Miss Kalinago pageant 2016, Dominica, performed by the Dominica Kalinago community.
RESISTANCE AND REVENGE IN THE CARIBBEAN | KNOW YOUR CARIBBEAN
Contrary to popular belief, acts of resistance occurred across the Caribbean during the era of slavery. This episode features 4 stories of revenge from two Caribbean islands, an insight into enslaved African spiritual beliefs, and how revenge was a bittersweet response to slavery.
WUK UP AND LANDOWNERSHIP - LIFE IN 1850’S BARBADOS | KNOW YOUR CARIBBEAN
Contrary to popular belief, acts of resistance occurred across the Caribbean during the era of slavery. This episode features 4 stories of revenge from two Caribbean islands, an insight into enslaved African spiritual beliefs, and how revenge was a bittersweet response to slavery.
EXPLORE ALL RESEARCH RESOURCES FOR CARIBBEAN CHATTEL SLAVERY >>>
CARIBBEAN DIASPORA
WEST INDIAN SOCIAL CLUB OF HARTFORD
The West Indian Social Club of Hartford is a cultural center of educational, entertainment, and serves as a migrant resource of the West Indian and Caribbean-American culture.
CARIBBEAN FEMALE ANCESTORS
BAD GYAL STORIES - WOMEN IN RESISTANCE POST EMANCIPTION | KNOW YOUR CARIBBEAN
Celebrating the unknown and uncelebrated histories of women and resistance in the Caribbean. Emancipation and the apprenticeship period was not a 'lighter' version of enslavement for many as we were made to believe. How did Caribbean women resist? Find out here.
EXPLORE ALL RESEARCH RESOURCES FOR CARIBBEAN FEMALE ANCESTORS >>>
CARIBBEAN JEWISH GENEALOGY
JEWISH JAMAICA GENEALOGY | FACEBOOK
The Jewish Jamaica Genealogy group serves to combine the efforts of Jamaicans researching their Jewish ancestry.
EXPLORE ALL RESEARCH RESOURCES FOR CARIBBEAN JEWISH GENEALOGY >>>
CAYMAN ISLANDS
The Cayman Islands Folk Singers was formed by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation in 2010. The work of a group such as the Cayman Islands Folk singers helps to preserve our heritage, especially for our youngsters, since so many of them may no longer have grandparents to tell them about the way things used to be. Our folk songs and its accompanying folk ways, serve to present a glimpse into our history and, more importantly helps to provide a framework within which we can continue to define ourselves as a people.
CUBA
TIPS FOR READING CIVIL REGISTRY RECORDS IN SPANISH | FAMILY TREE MAGAZINE
As you research your ancestors from Spanish-speaking countries in civil registry records, you may come across records that you cannot completely understand due to the language barrier. You may be tempted to skim over any text in Spanish and focus just on the English; however, you could potentially miss out on key information about your ancestors by doing so.
Fortunately, there are tools and strategies that can help you identify commonly used Spanish words in civil registry records. Below are several to help you uncover the information you are looking for.
DOMINICA
THE MAROONS OF DOMINICA | KNOW YOUR CARIBBEAN
An insight into the history of the Maroons of Dominica, a country with the last Kalinago stronghold, home to Maroon country that was larger than the entire island of Barbados. Stories of resistance and rebellion against enslavement, and the complex dynamics of societies in the Caribbean.
Featured music - The Kalinago National Anthem, as features in the Miss Kalinago pageant 2016, Dominica, performed by the Dominica Kalinago community.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
PASSPORT FROM DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 1920-1922
Photos from "Emergency Passport Applications, 1910-1922 US Consulates in San Pedro de Macorís & Santo Domingo".
The photos in this album predominately include Puerto Rican seasonal migrants who were traveling from the Dominican Republic back to their homes in Puerto Rico. Many worked in the sugar industry, primarily for 'Central Romana Corporation'
Source: National Archives and Records Administration
TIPS FOR READING CIVIL REGISTRY RECORDS IN SPANISH | FAMILY TREE MAGAZINE
As you research your ancestors from Spanish-speaking countries in civil registry records, you may come across records that you cannot completely understand due to the language barrier. You may be tempted to skim over any text in Spanish and focus just on the English; however, you could potentially miss out on key information about your ancestors by doing so.
Fortunately, there are tools and strategies that can help you identify commonly used Spanish words in civil registry records. Below are several to help you uncover the information you are looking for.
EXPLORE ALL RESEARCH RESOURCES FOR THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC >>>
FIND A GENEALOGIST
Dairen Castro Torres is an exceptional Puerto Rican historian and genealogy expert whose dedication to preserving and unraveling the rich history of Puerto Rico has not only earned him high accolades and recognition but has also inspired countless individuals to connect with their roots and heritage.
GENEALOGY AND HISTORICAL RESEARCH + JAMAICA
Genealogy and Historical Research + Jamaica is a Professional Genealogical and Historical Research firm located exclusively in Jamaica, which has access to the archaic documents housed at the Registrar General Department of Jamaica, the Jamaica Archives, Roman Catholic Archives and The National Library of Jamaica.
SELENA CARTY
With over 15 years experience within her area of expertise Selena is an effective cultural & ancestral genealogist who combines curiosity, passion, and patience with sharp research and critical thinking skills. She organises records meticulously, navigating historical contexts, and communicate findings clearly. Using modern tools, conducting thoughtful interviews, and respecting ethical boundaries, Selena solves complex puzzles to preserve family stories, honour heritage, and keep history alive for future generations.
Her clients include Dr Julius Winston Garvey, the son of Jamaica’s First National Hero Mr. Marcus Moziah Garvey (Father) & Mrs. Amy Euphemia ‘Jacques’ Garvey (Mother).
JAMAICA
Welcome to my Hobby Page. My hobby is FAMILY HISTORY of Jamaica, West Indies (sorry not Jamaica, New York). Maps, sources of genealogy, emblems, my tiny tafel and some fun places to visit are included. I hope this page will be of interest to those who are just getting started on their Jamaican ancestry, as well as those who have pursued this pastime for a while.
IN SEARCH OF TAINOS | THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE PODCAST
The Taino people, commonly thought to have been eradicated for centuries, are forming communities within Jamaica as some groups trace their lineage to the indigenous tribe. The producers share the story of one such exploration of ancestry.
JEWISH JAMAICA GENEALOGY | FACEBOOK
The Jewish Jamaica Genealogy group serves to combine the efforts of Jamaicans researching their Jewish ancestry.
PANAMA
Escritor y activista cultural
- Memorias de Bocas Town
- Pionero: la historia de Luis Russell
- Ensayos diásporicos
TIPS FOR READING CIVIL REGISTRY RECORDS IN SPANISH | FAMILY TREE MAGAZINE
As you research your ancestors from Spanish-speaking countries in civil registry records, you may come across records that you cannot completely understand due to the language barrier. You may be tempted to skim over any text in Spanish and focus just on the English; however, you could potentially miss out on key information about your ancestors by doing so.
Fortunately, there are tools and strategies that can help you identify commonly used Spanish words in civil registry records. Below are several to help you uncover the information you are looking for.
PUERTO RICO
PASSPORT FROM DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 1920-1922
Photos from "Emergency Passport Applications, 1910-1922 US Consulates in San Pedro de Macorís & Santo Domingo".
The photos in this album predominately include Puerto Rican seasonal migrants who were traveling from the Dominican Republic back to their homes in Puerto Rico. Many worked in the sugar industry, primarily for 'Central Romana Corporation'
Source: National Archives and Records Administration
TIPS FOR READING CIVIL REGISTRY RECORDS IN SPANISH | FAMILY TREE MAGAZINE
As you research your ancestors from Spanish-speaking countries in civil registry records, you may come across records that you cannot completely understand due to the language barrier. You may be tempted to skim over any text in Spanish and focus just on the English; however, you could potentially miss out on key information about your ancestors by doing so.
Fortunately, there are tools and strategies that can help you identify commonly used Spanish words in civil registry records. Below are several to help you uncover the information you are looking for.
SURINAME
GANGSTA STORIES - THE SURINAME MAROONS | KNOW YOUR CARIBBEAN
In this episode we discuss the gangsta stories of one of the largest Maroon strongholds to ever exist. 20,000 strong, holding on to ancient African traditions, we show love and tell the stories of the complex legacy of the Maroons of Suriname, some of the most gangsta rebels in Caribbean history.
HET KOTO MUSEUM
Het Koto Museum is een plek waar het erfgoed van de koto en angisa worden tentoongesteld. Bezoekers ervaren een reis terug in de tijd, omringd door antiek meubilair, koperwerk en porselein, terwijl ze meer leren over de rijke verhalen en historische waarde van traditionele Creoolse kleding.
The Koto Museum showcases the heritage of the koto and angisa. Visitors experience a journey back in time, surrounded by antique furniture, copperware, and porcelain, while learning about the rich stories and historical significance of traditional Creole clothing.
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
THE CARIBBEAN HISTORY ARCHIVES
Blog about the history and folklore of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean by historian Gérard Besson.
VENEZUELA
TIPS FOR READING CIVIL REGISTRY RECORDS IN SPANISH | FAMILY TREE MAGAZINE
As you research your ancestors from Spanish-speaking countries in civil registry records, you may come across records that you cannot completely understand due to the language barrier. You may be tempted to skim over any text in Spanish and focus just on the English; however, you could potentially miss out on key information about your ancestors by doing so.
Fortunately, there are tools and strategies that can help you identify commonly used Spanish words in civil registry records. Below are several to help you uncover the information you are looking for.
Founded in 2023, Ancestors of Paradise is a leading research guide to ancestry, family history, and genealogy resources for the Caribbean. Journey with us and bring to light the untold stories of our Caribbean ancestors!