JOURNEY WITH US.

A research guide to genetic genealogy resources for Caribbean ancestry.

Uncover with Ancestors of Paradise the untold stories of your Caribbean 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
Family Tree Magazine

DNA TESTING.

Uncover the rich lives of your Caribbean 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!

  • 23ANDME ($)

    Your DNA has a lot to say about your health, traits and ancestry.

  • African Ancestry ($)

    Founded in 2003 by Dr. Rick Kittles and Gina Paige, African Ancestry is the world leader in tracing maternal and paternal lineages of African descent having helped more than 1,000,000 people re-connect with the roots of their family tree. With the industry’s largest and most comprehensive database of over 30,000 indigenous African DNA samples, African Ancestry determines specific countries and specific ethnic groups of origin with an unrivaled level of detail, accuracy and confidence. African Ancestry is committed to providing a unique service to the black community by working daily to improve the cultural, emotional, physical, spiritual and economic wellbeing of people across the African Diaspora.

  • AncestryDNA ($)

    With clear-cut historical insights and rich geographic details, we connect you to the places in the world where your story started – and you might even discover living relatives.

  • CariGenetics ($)

    CariGenetics is not just a company; it's a movement.

    Founded on the principles of inclusivity, innovation, and integrity, we stand at the vanguard of genetic research, with a laser focus on the distinct genetic blueprint of Caribbean ancestry. Our roots run deep, and our vision is clear: to illuminate the genetic intricacies of the Caribbean diaspora, ensuring that our community is no longer sidelined in the broader narrative of global genetic research.

  • Family Tree DNA ($)

    We have the world’s most comprehensive DNA matching database for autosomal DNA, Y-DNA and mtDNA.

  • Living DNA ($)

    Living DNA, one of the top 5 global DNA testing firms, is a privately owned UK based company focused on helping you enrich your life and know yourself better. Results are delivered with simplicity, backed by science and holding privacy at our core.

  • MyHeritage DNA ($)

    Over the past 21 years, MyHeritage has helped millions of people find new family members and discover their ethnic origins.

    Your origins are encoded in your DNA, and enable us to pinpoint where in the world your ancestors came from. Your DNA results will include an ethnicity breakdown and identify the specific groups you descend from among 2,114 geographic regions.

EDUCATION + ANALYSIS.

Uncover the rich lives of your Caribbean 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!

  • The Bahamas DNA Project

    The Bahamas DNA Project will perform a Y-chromosome test on any male with direct paternal ancestry in the Bahamas. The project will also perform a mtDNA test for men or women with direct maternal ancestry in the Bahamas. However, the mtDNA test is more valuable in revealing deep ancestry and is less suited for genealogy purposes. Women may also participate by recruiting a brother, father, or other male relative with Bahamian ancestry to take the Y-chromosome test. The project will also perform an autosomal DNA test for men or women with any Bahamian ancestry in their family tree within the last 10 generations. The results will be maintained to match future Bahamian participants. Current participants' results and genealogies can be viewed on this website.

  • BanyanDNA

    Does your family tree look like a banyan tree?

    Banyan trees are easily identified by the roots they send down from their branches, resulting in a complicated network of foliage all belonging to a single organism.

    Family trees can be similar. Half relationships, pedigree collapse, and other circumstances can grow a genealogy into something that can only resemble a banyan tree.

    We can help.

  • GEDmatch

    GEDmatch is a free DNA comparison and analysis website for people who have tested their autosomal DNA using a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company, such as Ancestry, 23andMe, FTDNA, or have a custom file from other sources. Testers download their DNA data file from the testing company, and then upload it to GEDmatch. GEDmatch processes the file, adds it to a genealogical database, and provides applications for matching and further analysis.

  • DNAngels

    We are a nonprofit search angel organization dedicated to the assistance of individuals seeking to identify their biological parent(s) using DNA interpretation, mapping, and extensive research. For clients struggling with news of a Non Paternal Event (NPE, also referred to as Not Parent Expected), donor conception, or adoption, we offer support and fellowship in our private online group. Services to help identify birth parents come at no cost to you, other relatives may require a fee.

  • DNA Painter ($)

    A tool to help you visualise your DNA test results by painting match segments onto your chromosomes.

  • Leeds Method for Organizing DNA Matches | Your DNA Guide

    The Leeds Method is a simple and colorful way to organize your DNA matches using color-coded clusters.

  • YOUR DNA GUIDE

    We help people strengthen their identity and connect to their families and communities.

    When we are disconnected from our families, we are disconnected from ourselves, causing us to feel adrift, less resilient, and alone. When we lose sight of who we are as individuals, we judge our neighbors and forget our common experiences which in turn leads to the instability of communities, affecting economies and cultures.

    We believe that connecting with our families, past and present, can provide us with a sense of belonging, identity and ancestral resilience we can use to unify communities and lead to a personal sense of contribution and fulfilment. Because connection drives contribution for a more peaceful and resilient world.

Ancestry US

Ancestry US

books.

Uncover the rich lives of your Caribbean 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 Caribbean 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!

  • African DNA and the Caribbean Slave Trade | Your DNA Guide

    Human remains of enslaved Africans have been identified on the Caribbean island of St. Martin, thanks to DNA testing. It’s a win for genetic genealogy—and one step toward better honoring the lives of those who lived in slavery.

  • DNA Testing for African Ancestry | Your DNA Guide

    Which DNA testing companies shed the most detailed light on African ancestry? What makes Africa the most genetically diverse continent? Why is it so important for scientists to understand the genetic heritage of those with African roots? Read answers here.

  • FINDING ENSLAVED ANCESTORS USING DNA | YOUR DNA GUIDE

    Donise Smith Lei contacted Your DNA Guide for some coaching. She was putting the finishing touches on her new book, Delving into My Bitterroots: How I Resurrected My Enslaved Ancestor, Granvill, and So Can You. Before going to press, she wanted an expert review of the way she’d applied DNA testing results to identifying her 3X great-grandfather, Granvill, who was enslaved.

    With her permission, we share the following tips that came out of her coaching session with Diahan Southard. We hope these tips will help others who are searching for the identities of enslaved ancestors, because we recognize that this can be so challenging.

PODCASTS.

Uncover the rich lives of your Caribbean 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!

  • DNA Genealogy | DIS A FI MI HISTORY PODCAST

    In this episode I speak with Barbie Jones from the podcast The Genealogy Situation Room about DNA Genealogy and how this has impacted the research on her family. This DNA testing has opened the door and revealed her family connection to the Caribbean which has been immense and validated the records and documents that have been uncovered.

  • Unlocking the Intricate Web of Caribbean Ancestry - Bahamas DNA Project | DIS A FI MI HISTORY PODCAST

    Immerse yourself in a compelling episode of the Disafimi History Podcast where we delve into the fascinating world of genetic genealogy through the lens of the Bahamas DNA Project. Get lost in an intriguing web of Caribbean ancestry, revealing insights into humanity's shared heritage found in our swathes of DNA. With our special guest, Bahamian genealogist Peter J. Roberts, we explore the roots of the Bahamian people and how modern technology is teasing intricate details from their DNA.

    Roberts recounts the origins of his groundbreaking Bahamas DNA Project, inspired by personal quest to trace his Bahamian lineage. His endeavor has resulted in outstanding revelations including the existence of two distinct Roberts families in the Bahamas, illuminated through Y-Chromosome testing.

SOCIAL MEDIA.

Uncover the rich lives of your Caribbean 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.

  • DNA Detectives | Facebook

    Genetic genealogy group focused on using DNA to find biological family for adoptees, foundlings, donor-conceived individuals, unknown paternity and all other types of unknown parentage cases - recent and more distant. Everyone is welcome in this group, not just adoptees.

  • JAMAICAN DNA ROOTS | FACEBOOK

    Greetings fellow genealogy researchers! This group is for people who have taken a DNA test and have genealogical ties to the island of Jamaica. We welcome anyone who is amenable to open collaboration for the best interest of everyone in the group. Our top priorities are finding the unheard voices of our ancestors, and discovering new relatives and family stories along the way.

  • Search Squad | Facebook

    Search Squad is a FREE locator group for adoptees, birth parents, biological family and genealogy searches.

  • ST. CROIX ST. THOMAS ST. JOHN DNA REGISTRY | FACEBOOK

GENEALOGY VIDEOS + TUTORIALS.

Uncover the rich lives of your Caribbean 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!

HIRE A PROFESSIONAL GENEALOGIST.

Uncover the rich lives of your Caribbean 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.

SUPPORT ANCESTORS OF PARADISE.

We appreciate the love!

Your generous support allows Ancestors of Paradise to continue to grow as a leading research resource for Caribbean genealogy.

Donate