JOURNEY WITH US.

A research guide to ancestry, family history, and genealogy resources for Bonaire.

Uncover with Ancestors of Paradise the untold stories of your Bonaire ancestors!

”From Anegada to Virgin Gorda, tour the Caribbean in this gorgeous site packed with resources, historical photos and videos…”

101 Best Genealogy Websites of 2024
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records.

Uncover the rich lives of your Bonaire ancestors through census records, court records, deeds, naturalization records, military records, ship passenger lists as well as birth, marriage, and death records.

The following resources may include some affiliate links in an effort to support the continued growth of Ancestors of Paradise as a leading research resource in Caribbean genealogy. Thank you for your support!

  • Archivo Boneiru

    Archivo Boneiru gives you access to a large collection of photos, documents and other items about the Caribbean island of Bonaire. The goal of Archivo Boneiru is to unlock the history and culture of this beautiful island.

  • FAMILYSEARCH RESEARCH WIKI | Bonaire

    The FamilySearch Research Wiki is a free, online genealogical guide created and maintained by FamilySearch, a non-profit organization. It contains links to genealogy databases, websites, other resources, research strategies, and genealogical guidance to assist in the search for your ancestors. Articles included are locality pages for countries around the world and topic pages that include pertinent genealogy record types explaining how to use the record, what it contains, and how to find it.

  • SHIPINDEX.ORG: A VESSEL RESEARCH DATABASE

    ShipIndex.org simplifies vessel research. Whether you’re a genealogist, a maritime historian, a researcher, or just curious, we can help you learn more about the ships that interest you. We tell you which maritime resources, such as books, journals, magazines, newspapers, CD-ROMs, websites, and online databases mention the ships that interest you. We enhance these references by noting which ones include illustrations or crew and passenger lists, and where you can find or purchase the resource.

  • SlaveVoyages

    The SlaveVoyages website is a collaborative digital initiative that compiles and makes publicly accessible records of the largest slave trades in history. Search these records to learn about the broad origins and forced relocations of more than 12 million African people who were sent across the Atlantic in slave ships, and hundreds of thousands more who were trafficked within the Americas. Explore where they were taken, the numerous rebellions that occurred, the horrific loss of life during the voyages, the identities and nationalities of the perpetrators, and much more.

  • SURINAME AND NETHERLANDS ANTILLES: DECLARED FREE SLAVES (EMANCIPATION 1863) | NATIONAAL ARCHIEF

    Index of enslaved people in Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles who were emancipated in 1863.

  • WIEWASWIE

    CBG | Center for Family History in The Hague is the owner of WieWasWie.nl. CBG is the national center for knowledge, documentation and publicity for genealogy and heraldry in the Netherlands.

collections.

Uncover the rich lives of your Bonaire ancestors through our collection of diverse genealogical resources.

The following resources may include some affiliate links in an effort to support the continued growth of Ancestors of Paradise as a leading research resource in Caribbean genealogy. Thank you for your support!

  • ANCESTRY MESSAGE BOARDS | BONAIRE

    Ancestry message boards contain over 25 million posts on more than 198,000 boards.

  • ANCESTRY MESSAGE BOARDS | CARIBBEAN

    Ancestry message boards contain over 25 million posts on more than 198,000 boards.

  • BONAIRE FAMILIES

  • DIGITAL LIBRARY OF THE CARIBBEAN

    The Digital Library of the Caribbean is a cooperative digital library for resources from and about the Caribbean & circum-Caribbean.

  • THE EARLY CARIBBEAN DIGITAL ARCHIVE

    The Early Caribbean Digital Archive is an open access collection of pre-twentieth-century Caribbean texts, maps, and images. Texts include travel narratives, novels, poetry, natural histories, and diaries that have not been brought together before as a single collection focused on the Caribbean. The materials in the archive are primarily authored and published by Europeans, but the ECDA aims to use digital tools to "remix" the archive and foreground the centrality and creativity of enslaved and free African, Afro-creole, and Indigenous peoples in the Caribbean world.

  • Fundashon Históriko Kultural Boneriano

    Fundashon Históriko Kultural Boneriano (FuHiKuBo) is a foundation that specialises in the field of cultural and historical elements of Bonaire.

    The foundation was founded on August 6th, 1998. One of our founders and director, F.D. (Bòi) Antoin, has dedicated his time over the past 30+ years to documenting, collecting, and conserving anything in relation to Bonaire’s heritage. Which has led to an impressive archive of information in the form of books, documents, images, video/audio files and artefacts.

  • HISTORY HUB | Bonaire

    History Hub is a research support community for everyone, including genealogists, historians, and citizen archivists.

  • MYHERITAGE | NETHERLANDS ANTILLES ($)

    The Netherlands Antilles family history research page lists data collections relevant to Netherlands Antilles.

    Start your search here to find ancestors originating from Netherlands Antilles and to research historical records pertaining to Netherlands Antilles.

Ancestry US

Ancestry US

CEMETERIES + MEMORIALS.

Uncover the rich lives of your Bonaire ancestors through cemetery records, grave records, tombstone inscriptions, and funeral booklets.

The following resources may include some affiliate links in an effort to support the continued growth of Ancestors of Paradise as a leading research resource in Caribbean genealogy. Thank you for your support!

  • FIND A GRAVE | Bonaire

    Find the graves of ancestors, create virtual memorials or add photos, virtual flowers and a note to a loved one's memorial. Search or browse cemeteries and grave records for every-day and famous people from around the world.

  • INTERNATIONAL JEWISH CEMETERY PROJECT | Bonaire

    We have successfully collected information about thousands of Jewish cemetery sites all over the world along with information on the location of the cemetery, and how to obtain more information. Each Jewish cemetery or burial site listed in the project by town or city, country, and geographic region is based on current locality designation. Some listings include links to other websites with additional information such as burial lists or a name to contact by email or snail-mail.

HISTORIC IMAGES.

Uncover the rich lives of your Bonaire ancestors through early photographs, studio portraits, and historic landscape images.

The following resources may include some affiliate links in an effort to support the continued growth of Ancestors of Paradise as a leading research resource in Caribbean genealogy. Thank you for your support!

  • NATIONAAL ARCHIEF PHOTO COLLECTION | Bonaire

    The National Archives manages 15 million photos. You can view more than one million photos online. The photo collection provides an overview of events from the period between 1865 and 1990.

  • SOUTHEAST ASIAN & CARIBBEAN IMAGES (KITLV) | UNIVERSITAIRE BIBLIOTHEKEN LEIDEN

    The KITLV image collection holds photographs, prints and drawings that were acquired by The Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies (KITLV). Housed at Leiden University Libraries since 2014, as part of the KITLV library collection.

    The biggest part of the image collection consists of photographs. Around 1890 the KITLV started collecting photographs for the purpose of documenting the image of the Dutch East and West Indies in all their facets, such as landscapes, town views, architecture, and life under indigenous and Dutch rule and so forth.

  • VIVID-PIX

    Easy-to-use software that helps you fix your pics and documents fast! Free to try - no credit card required.

HISTORIC MAPS.

Uncover the rich lives of your Bonaire ancestors through historic maps.

The following resources may include some affiliate links in an effort to support the continued growth of Ancestors of Paradise as a leading research resource in Caribbean genealogy. Thank you for your support!

  • David Rumsey Map Collection | Bonaire

    The David Rumsey Map Collection was started over 35 years ago and contains more than 200,000 maps. The collection focuses on rare 16th through 21st century maps of North and South America, as well as maps of the World, Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania. The collection includes atlases, globes, wall maps, school geographies, pocket maps, books of exploration, maritime charts, and a variety of cartographic materials including pocket, wall, children's, and manuscript maps. Items range in date from around 1550 to the present.

CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS.

Uncover the rich lives of your Bonaire ancestors through libraries, museums, historical societies, and community cultural centers dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Caribbean culture.

The following resources may include some affiliate links in an effort to support the continued growth of Ancestors of Paradise as a leading research resource in Caribbean genealogy. Thank you for your support!

  • CBG | CENTRUM VOOR FAMILIEGESCHIEDENIS

    The CBG Centrum voor familiegeschiedenis is the Dutch research centre for genealogical and heraldic studies. It is a non-profit foundation that has been founded on May 15, 1945, with the aim of bringing together a number of archive collections and making research of genealogy and related studies easier.

  • Dutch Caribbean Heritage Platform

    The Dutch Caribbean Heritage Platform was founded on June 11th 2014 and consists of 11 foundations concerned with Cultural Heritage.

  • Herensia - Erfgoed - Heritage

    This digital platform (in development) will collect and share all available information on the cultural heritage of the Dutch Caribbean islands and make it accessible to educators, lifelong learners, and the general public.

  • HET SCHEEPVAARTMUSEUM

    The National Maritime Museum shows the strong connection between the maritime world and society as a whole, and more specifically the impact of this on the lives of many individuals.

    The National Maritime Museum recognizes that as a museum, we can and must commit ourselves more actively to combating (institutional) racism; as an institution, in our collection, in our programming, together with our audience and with our current and future social partners.

  • Hòfi Kultural

    HÒFI KULTURAL IS AN EVENT LOCATION FOR CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND MEETINGS LIKE TRAININGSESSIONS, PRESENTATIONS AND LECTURES.

  • NATIONAAL SLAVERNIJMUSEUM | NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SLAVERY

    Within the next few years, the Nationaal Slavernijmuseum, a new national museum of slavery, should open its doors to the public. Documenting the history of transatlantic slavery and slavery in the Dutch colonies in the Indian Ocean will be the museum’s guiding principle. The museum’s content will target a broad audience, with a focus on education, art, information and research. The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science supports the initiative.

  • Patrimonio Kultural Intangibel na Boneiru

    Apesar ku e ta frágil, Patrimonio Kultural Intangibel ta un faktor importante pa mantené diversidat kultural den e mundu aktual ku globalishon kresiente.

  • Terramar Museum

    Welcome to the website of Terramar Museum, a historical and archaeological museum in the center of Kralendijk on the Dutch Caribbean island Bonaire. A visit to Terramar Museum will take you on a journey through 7,000 years of Caribbean history, from the earliest Amerindian settlers to the age of exploration and the colonial era. Once you set foot inside, you will explore the fascinating history of Bonaire and the wider Caribbean region through spectacular exhibits, fascinating artifacts, 3D reconstructions and interactive experiences.

  • VERHALENOVERLEVEN FOUNDATION

    ”Verhalen over leven helpen overleven zodra ze gedeeld worden”.

    Onder dat motto zet Stichting VerhalenOverLeven zich in om verborgen verhalen en geschiedenissen van (koloniale) migranten en hun nazaten zichtbaar te maken in educatieve en erfgoedprojecten. Oral history, ofwel het losmaken en vastleggen van (levens)verhalen en geschiedenissen als mondelinge bron, is daarbij een veel gekozen methodiek.

BOOKs.

Uncover the rich lives of your Bonaire ancestors through our collection of books for beginners, research guides, records guides, case studies, memoirs, family histories, oral histories, and photography collections.

The following resources may include some affiliate links in an effort to support the continued growth of Ancestors of Paradise as a leading research resource in Caribbean genealogy. Thank you for your support!

BLOGs.

Uncover the rich lives of your Bonaire ancestors through history, culture, and genealogy blogs.

The following resources may include some affiliate links in an effort to support the continued growth of Ancestors of Paradise as a leading research resource in Caribbean genealogy. Thank you for your support!

  • THE NETHERLANDS | SEPHARDIC GENEALOGY

    Family history of the Spanish and Portuguese Jewish diaspora.

PODCASTS.

Uncover the rich lives of your Bonaire ancestors through on-topic podcast episodes and series.

The following resources may include some affiliate links in an effort to support the continued growth of Ancestors of Paradise as a leading research resource in Caribbean genealogy. Thank you for your support!

  • The History of the Dutch Caribbean Islands with Dr. Margo Groenewoud | Strictly Facts

    We have many differences in the Caribbean, namely language, but also many similarities. In this week's episode, Dr. Margo Groenewoud shares with us the creative, political, and social histories of the Dutch Caribbean and why she believes islands like Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao are sometimes neglected in discussions about the Caribbean region.

social media.

Uncover the rich lives of your Bonaire ancestors through social media discussion forums, networks, groups, and pages.

The following resources may include some affiliate links in an effort to support the continued growth of Ancestors of Paradise as a leading research resource in Caribbean genealogy. Thank you for your support!

  • CARIBBEAN GENEALOGY | FACEBOOK

    This group is for sharing resources and assisting with research relating to Caribbean ancestry and history.

  • CARIBBEAN GENEALOGY RESEARCH COMMUNITY | FACEBOOK

    Welcome to the Caribbean Research Community! This group was created to give people researching the region a place to ask questions, collaborate, and share research with one another.

  • GENEALOGICAL TRANSLATIONS | FACEBOOK

    Genealogical Translations was established to provide amateur family researchers a place to have their genealogical documents translated. We are a global volunteer group whose members help other members by offering free translation of their genealogical documents such as vital records, postcards, obituaries, and more, in languages including – Dutch, French, German, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Latin, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and many others!

GENEALOGY VIDEOS + TUTORIALS.

Uncover the rich lives of your Bonaire ancestors through tutorials, lectures, roundtable discussions, and genealogy webinars.

The following resources may include some affiliate links in an effort to support the continued growth of Ancestors of Paradise as a leading research resource in Caribbean genealogy. Thank you for your support!

  • INTRODUCTION TO AFRO-CARIBBEAN GENEALOGY RESOURCES WITH SHARON WILKINS

    Learn how to trace your Afro-Caribbean ancestors from the West Indies, including Barbados, Jamaica, and other places. Presented by Sharon Wilkins, President of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society - New York.

  • Caribbean Ancestry Guide: Getting Started | Island Ancestors

    Use the strategies and hints in this video to trace your Caribbean ancestors. Before you know it you'll be on location just like on 'Who Do You Think You Are.' West Indian family history research is challenging but NOT impossible.

  • Caribbean Ancestry: Myths and Misconceptions | Island Ancestors

    Myths and Misconceptions are holding you back from tracing your Caribbean Ancestors. Challenge your assumptions and take your research forward.

    In this video, I dispel four common myths about West Indian family history.

  • Tracing My Caribbean Ancestry - Reasons to do Genealogy! | Islands Ancestors

    How I traced my Caribbean ancestors back to the 18th century! The process of working on my family tree has helped me grow tremendously. Now I want to help you trace your Caribbean ancestors as far back as you can!

  • Researching Female Ancestors of the Caribbean | FamilySearch

    In this video, Researching Female Ancestors of the Caribbean, Sharon Tomlin delves into ways we can research African-Caribbean female ancestry. Encouraging dialogue across the generations to understand the pioneers of the past and to discover the pioneers within their own family.

    This presentation was part of RootsTech Connect 2021.

  • BlackProGen LIVE! Ep 84: Getting Started with Caribbean Genealogy

    Learn tips, tricks, and more for researching ancestry in the Caribbean! Special guest, Anaisa Bayala.

  • Exploring the Early Caribbean Digital Archive: A Treasure Trove for Family and Historical Research | DIS A FI MI HISTORY PODCAST

    In this episode, we delve into the rich world of the Early Caribbean Digital Archive (ECDA) with the insights of Professors Nicole Aljo and Elizabeth Dillon, alongside their dedicated team.

    We explore the origins and objectives of the ECDA, a publicly accessible archive platform that houses a vast collection of pre-20th century Caribbean materials. Learn about their mission to decolonize and democratize knowledge by surfacing hidden narratives, such as those of enslaved individuals, embedded within historical texts.

    The team also shares their experiences and methodologies in curating and digitizing these invaluable resources, offering a glimpse into some fascinating exhibits like Obeah practices and Jamaican Heirs. Discover how you can navigate the archive, contribute to ongoing projects, and even use these resources for family research and educational purposes.

    Join us for a compelling discussion on the importance of preserving and accessing Caribbean history, both for understanding our past and informing our present.

HIRE A PROFESSIONAL GENEALOGIST.

Uncover the rich lives of your Bonaire ancestors through collaboration with a professional genealogist.

The following resources may include some affiliate links in an effort to support the continued growth of Ancestors of Paradise as a leading research resource in Caribbean genealogy. Thank you for your support!

  • Legacy Tree Genealogists

    Are you looking for details about your Caribbean ancestry? Do you need help getting started or have you hit a brick wall?

    Caribbean genealogy can be challenging, and the professional genealogists at Legacy Tree Genealogists can help with your research needs.

    Ancestors of Paradise visitors save on select genealogy research projects.

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