
JOURNEY WITH US.
A research guide to ancestry, family history, and genealogy resources for French Guiana.
Uncover with Ancestors of Paradise the untold stories of your French Guianese 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
records.
Uncover the rich lives of your French Guianese 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!
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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.
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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.
collections.
Uncover the rich lives of your French Guianese 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!
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ANCESTRY MESSAGE BOARDS | CARIBBEAN
Ancestry message boards contain over 25 million posts on more than 198,000 boards.
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ANCESTRY MESSAGE BOARDS | French Guiana
Ancestry message boards contain over 25 million posts on more than 198,000 boards.
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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.
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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.
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HISTORY HUB
History Hub is a research support community for everyone, including genealogists, historians, and citizen archivists.
CEMETERIES + MEMORIALS.
Uncover the rich lives of your French Guianese 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!
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FIND A GRAVE | FRENCH GUIANA
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.
HISTORIC IMAGES + FILM.
Uncover the rich lives of your French Guianese ancestors through early photographs, studio portraits, historic landscape images, and film.
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!
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Caribbean Heritage Photos | French Guiana
The collection that Stadsmuseum Tilburg manages is divided into the Stadscollectie Tilburg, the photos Caribbean Heritage and the Zwijsen collection.
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EARL LEAF GETTY IMAGES COLLECTION | FRENCH GUIANA
Earl Leaf was a well-established photojournalist who settled in LA in the 1940s.
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HARRY ALVERSON FRANCK PHOTOGRAPHS | FRENCH GUIANA
Harry A. Franck (1881-1962) was a University of Michigan graduate (1903), avid traveler, and veteran of both world wars. He wrote thirty-three travel books describing Europe, South and Central America, China, Japan, and many other places. His most popular books include A Vagabond Journey Around the World (1910) and Zone Policeman 88 (1913). His books routinely featured photographs he took during his journeys: landscapes, street scenes, working people with the tools of their trade, portraits, and snapshots.
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HUNTLEY FILM ARCHIVES | FRENCH GUIANA
We are a team of dedicated film archivists who aim to help you produce the best archive content for your project.
Our collections are vast and varied - the sum of over fifty years of service to production and to film archiving. Our footage starts around 1895 and we cover the places and people of the 20th century comprehensively and globally. Our holdings are mostly documentary with the addition of behind the scenes Hollywood, Bollywood and a special collection of pioneer film makers. It is with great pride that our source material is still on celluloid for quality and that filmic texture. Our films are housed in purpose built film vaults and our staff expert in their field.
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Library of Congress Public Domain Image Collections | French Guiana
The Library's first digitization project was called "American Memory." Launched in 1990, it initially planned to choose 160 million objects from its collection to make digitally available on laserdiscs and CDs that would be distributed to schools and libraries. After realizing that this plan would be too expensive and inefficient, and with the rise of the Internet, the Library decided to instead make digitized material available over the Internet. This project was made official in the National Digital Library Program (NDLP), created in October 1994. By 1999, the NDLP had succeeded in digitizing over 5 million objects. The Library has kept the "American Memory" name for its public domain website, which today contains 15 million digital objects, comprising over 7 petabytes.
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Mary Evans Picture Library
Mary Evans Picture Library licenses images for use in books, newspapers, exhibitions, websites and all manner of other media. Our images cover a broad range of topics, with the overarching themes of history and film. Our range, however, extends far beyond most people's perception of historical pictures, to include areas such as fashion, design, society and, uniquely, the paranormal.
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THE MONTGOMERY COLLECTION OF CARIBBEAN PHOTOGRAPHS | FRENCH GUIANA
The Montgomery Collection of Caribbean Photographs is a singular collection of more than 3,500 historical images from 34 countries including Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad. This visual record contains studio portraits, landscapes and tourist views and brings to life the changing economies, environments and communities that emerged post-emancipation. The Collection includes nearly every photographic format available during the years 1840 to 1940, including prints, postcards, daguerreotypes, lantern slides, albums, and stereographs.
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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 French Guianese 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!
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David Rumsey Map Collection | French Guiana
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.
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OLD MAPS ONLINE | French Guiana
Our mission is to give old maps a new life in the online world via the Old Maps Online search catalog that allows visitors to explore and discover the beauty of historical maps depicting a past geographical place of their interest.
cULTURAL INSTITUTIONs.
Uncover the rich lives of your French Guianese 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!
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Maison des cultures et des mémoires de Guyane
Édifice unique à l’échelon régional, supra régional et national, la Maison des Cultures et des Mémoires de la Guyane (MCMG) rassemble les archives territoriales, les réserves des musées, la collection d’art contemporain de la Collectivité territoriale de Guyane, ainsi que les collections archéologiques de l’État.
Bâtiment monumental à taille humaine, la MCMG s’inscrit comme un geste architectural dans un secteur historique avec l’habitation Loyola, la sucrerie Moulin-à-Vent, et se pose en même temps comme un laboratoire de l’aménagement contemporain aux côtés de l’hôtel de ville et du siège de Guyane la 1ère.
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INDO-CARIBBEAN CULTURAL CENTRE
Indo-Caribbean Cultural Centre (ICC) is a non-profit, independent, educational organization recognized by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. ICC was established in 1999 with its axiom being “Celebrating unity in cultural diversity in the Caribbean.” It is dedicated to publishing two magazines every year – a Divali souvenir magazine, and an Indian Arrival Day commemorative magazine. ICC is primarily committed to the production of information about people, issues and events affecting Hindus and Indians in multi-ethnic Trinidad and the Caribbean.
books.
Uncover the rich lives of your French Guianese 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!
podcasts.
Uncover the rich lives of your French Guianese 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!
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Little Backwards Feet | CARIBBEAN MYSTICS
Ketchi, a young girl living in the dense foliage of French Guiana with her her family, is used to abiding by the natural rhythms and laws of nature. She is warned repeatedly about the supernatural dangers lurking just beyond where the eyes can see, dangers waiting to entrap unsuspecting children. One day on a walk home through tall grass, Ketchi comes face to face with one of the most feared ancient entities existing in the region.
SOCIAL MEDIA.
Uncover the rich lives of your French Guianese 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!
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CARIBBEAN GENEALOGY | FACEBOOK
This group is for sharing resources and assisting with research relating to Caribbean ancestry and history.
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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.
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THE CUTLASS MAGAZINE
A progressive podcast and platform dedicated to the Indo-Caribbean community and other descendants of Indian indentureship from around the world.
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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 French Guianese 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!
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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.
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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!
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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.
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The History of Indo-Caribbean Heritage (Kala Pani Archives / काला पानी अभिलेखागार) | DIS A FI MI HISTORY PODCAST
In this episode, we delve into the fascinating Indo-Caribbean heritage with our special guest, Jess from the Kalapani Archives. Jess discusses the significant history of the East Indian indenture labor system that spread across the Caribbean, Africa, and the South Pacific.
Learn about the inception of the Kalapani Archives, a repository that aims to shed light on this overlooked history and its relevance to present-day family research. Discover how Jess and her co-founder Tony, who met online through a shared interest in Indo-Caribbean history, have created a vibrant online community to unite descendants of Indian indentured laborers.
Join us as Jess provides insights into the origins and significance of the Kalapani Archives, the challenges faced, and the future initiatives planned to continue expanding this essential historical resource. -
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. -
Art in the Spotlight: The Montgomery Collection of Caribbean Photographs | Art Gallery of Ontario
Join artist and Toronto Photo Laureate Michèle Pearson Clarke for a conversation with AGO Associate Curator of Photography Julie Crooks about The Montgomery Collection of Caribbean Photographs, a singular collection of more than 3,500 historical images from 34 countries including Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad. This visual record contains studio portraits, landscapes and tourist views and brings to life the changing economies, environments and communities that emerged post-emancipation. The Collection includes nearly every photographic format available during the years 1840 to 1940, including prints, postcards, daguerreotypes, lantern slides, albums, and stereographs.
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On their terms: black women subverting the plantation economy in the Caribbean | Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
This paper draws on a Black feminist lens to read against the silencing violence of the slavery archives and reveal a dynamic (if sometimes controversial) and creolizing process of identity formation of free and enslaved Black women who, through resistance and/or accommodation, subverted the socio-political structures of colonial power and negotiated their place in the plantation economies of the Caribbean. Peggy incorporates archival and archaeological methods alongside intersectional theory to reveal an alternative narrative of Atlantic enslaved and free communities.
HIRE A PROFESSIONAL GENEALOGIST.
Uncover the rich lives of your French Guianese 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!
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Ancestor Seekers
Ancestor Seekers hosts the premier genealogy research trip to Salt Lake City, Utah. The company’s roots trace back to England, where Keith and Carol Spillar founded British Ancestors, offering expert genealogical services.
However, upon encountering the wealth of resources at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City they redirected their efforts to establish Ancestor Seekers and introduce the Dream Genealogy Vacation. This unique experience offers guests a week-long immersion in the world’s largest genealogical library, The FamilySearch Library, where they access unparalleled resources as well as receive exclusive instruction and guidance from professional genealogists.
Since its inaugural research week in February 2005, Ancestor Seekers has proudly welcomed genealogy enthusiasts for nearly two decades.
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AncestryProGenealogists®
The AncestryProGenealogists® team includes expert genealogists and family history specialists with extensive research experience—but the heart of the journey is you.
Watch your family history come to life as our experts solve family mysteries, break down brick walls, resolve adoption riddles, dig into your DNA, and discover more about who you are and where you came from. -
Antecedentia
With more than thirty years of experience, we can help you find your Dutch ancestors. We have a good knowledge of online available websites and databases. Because many records are online, that is where we start to find your Dutch relatives. We look for civil or vital records, censuses or population registers, and church books. Further research, for example in court records or notarial records, might require a visit of one of the local or regional archives.
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DESCUBRE TU HISTORIA
Helping descendants from the Caribbean, Central, South and North American former Spanish colonies start the journey of healing and empowerment through the knowledge of their Family History.
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Dutch Genealogy Services
Yvette Hoitink, MLitt, CG®, QG™ is a professional genealogist, writer, and lecturer from the Netherlands who helps people find their ancestors from the Netherlands and its former colonies, including New Netherland. She has a Master of Letters in Family and Local History from the University of Dundee, and holds the Certified Genealogist and Qualified Genealogist credentials.
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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. -
Sabine Maronnier Généalogiste Professionnelle
Recherches Généalogiques Familiales, Historiques et Sous-traitance successorale, en France et à l'étranger sur demande.
Professional Genealogist for Family Genealogical Research, History and Inheritance Subcontracting, in France and abroad on request.
Genealogista profesional para la investigación genealógica familiar, la historia y la subcontratación de herencias, en Francia y en el extranjero a pedido.
caribbean FAMILY ties.
Uncover the rich lives of your French Guianese ancestors through Caribbean neighbors with shared histories and genealogies.
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!
SUPPORT ANCESTORS OF PARADISE.
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