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This is intended as a Get Started List. The Links below contain extensive information for Caribbean Genealogy
Most of the British islands adopted some form of standardized record keeping by the late 1870's. Prior to this the type of records and means of storage require study on an island by island basis. Records were lost, burned, hurricanoed, left to rot at some periods on some islands. The climate is not kind to paper. Today some record books have been removed from use in bad condition with no budget for restoration! But do not despair. Try the easy sources first, always cast a wide net, then you can refine your search and tackle alternate sources as necessary. Be aware movement between islands was a greater factor than we often realize.
Although the Caribbean List is a general list, those with interest in French or Spanish Islands would be advised to also search lists specific to those islands.
Our guide will try and get you started but on each island you must take time to learn what has survived and where it is kept. Always qualify the source you consult because some (such as the IGI) can be unreliable and shared work is often wrong.
Introduction to Caribbean Family History
Copyright C.M. Codrington 2008 All contents for private use only.