JOURNEY WITH US.

A research guide to ancestry, family history, and genealogy resources for Haiti (historically Saint-Domingue).

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

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

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records.

Uncover the rich lives of your Haitian 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!

  • ARCHIVES NATIONALES D’OUTRE-MER (ANOM)

    The Archives nationales d'outre-mer in Aix-en-Provence is a branch of the Archives Nationales of France that documents the French colonial empire.

  • Association de Généalogie d’Haiti

    The Association de Généalogie d’Haiti is a non-profit organization which main objective is to collect electronically the old civil registers of the Archives Nationales d’Haiti to preserve them for future generations.

  • Consulate registers, 1833-1850 | FamilySearch

    Births, marriages and deaths for British nationals in Haiti.

    Microfilm copy of original records at the Public Record Office in London.

  • ENDANGERED ARCHIVES PROGRAMME | hAITI

    The Endangered Archives Programme (EAP) facilitates the digitisation of archives around the world that are in danger of destruction, neglect or physical deterioration. Thanks to generous funding from Arcadia, a charitable foundation that works to preserve cultural heritage and promote open access to knowledge, we have provided grants to almost 500 projects in over ninety countries worldwide, in more than a hundred languages and scripts.

  • Etat détaillé par commission chargée de répartir l'Indemnité attribuée aux anciens Colons de Saint-Domingue [1815-1832] : en exécution de la loi du 30 avril 1826 | FamilySearch

    Etat détaillé des liquidations opérées à l'époque de 1er Janvier 1829, par la Commission chargée de répartir l'indemnité attribuée aux anciens colons de Saint-Domingue, à présent Haïti, en exécution de la loi de 1826. Ces registres comprennent les noms des propriétaires et des héritiers, leurs relations, une description de leurs proprietés, le nom de la paroisse où ils vivaient, le nom des quartiers ruraux et des villes où étaient situées leurs propriétés et le montant reçu. Ces registres sont arrangés par paroisse et par date. Comprend un résumé à la fin de chaque film et un index alphabétique des noms des propriétaires.

    Records of compensation from the French Ministry of Finances to French people in Haiti who gave up their properties during the years, 1815-1831. Records include the names of property owners and other family heirs, how they are related, a description of their property, name of parish where they lived, name of rural areas and towns where their properties were located and amounts of money received. Contains a summary at the end of each film and an alphabetical index to surnames of property owners. The records are arranged by parish and by date.

  • FAMILYSEARCH RESEARCH WIKI | Haiti

    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.

  • Filae

    Le portail de la généalogie en France pour consulter son Etat-civil en ligne et construire son arbre généalogique gratuitement.

  • 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.

collections.

Uncover the rich lives of your Haitian 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 | CARIBBEAN

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

  • ANCESTRY MESSAGE BOARDS | Haiti

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

  • 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.

  • Haitian Immigration : Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries | IN MOTION: THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN MIGRATION EXPERIENCE

    In Motion: The African-American Migration Experience presents a new interpretation of African-American history, one that focuses on the self-motivated activities of peoples of African descent to remake themselves and their worlds. Of the thirteen defining migrations that formed and transformed African America, only the transatlantic slave trade and the domestic slave trades were coerced, the eleven others were voluntary movements of resourceful and creative men and women, risk-takers in an exploitative and hostile environment. Their survival skills, efficient networks, and dynamic culture enabled them to thrive and spread, and to be at the very core of the settlement and development of the Americas. Their hopeful journeys changed not only their world and the fabric of the African Diaspora but also the Western Hemisphere.

  • Haitian Immigration : 20TH cENTURY | IN MOTION: THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN MIGRATION EXPERIENCE

    In Motion: The African-American Migration Experience presents a new interpretation of African-American history, one that focuses on the self-motivated activities of peoples of African descent to remake themselves and their worlds. Of the thirteen defining migrations that formed and transformed African America, only the transatlantic slave trade and the domestic slave trades were coerced, the eleven others were voluntary movements of resourceful and creative men and women, risk-takers in an exploitative and hostile environment. Their survival skills, efficient networks, and dynamic culture enabled them to thrive and spread, and to be at the very core of the settlement and development of the Americas. Their hopeful journeys changed not only their world and the fabric of the African Diaspora but also the Western Hemisphere.

  • HISTORY HUB | Haiti

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

  • Migration to Haiti | IN MOTION: THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN MIGRATION EXPERIENCE

    In Motion: The African-American Migration Experience presents a new interpretation of African-American history, one that focuses on the self-motivated activities of peoples of African descent to remake themselves and their worlds. Of the thirteen defining migrations that formed and transformed African America, only the transatlantic slave trade and the domestic slave trades were coerced, the eleven others were voluntary movements of resourceful and creative men and women, risk-takers in an exploitative and hostile environment. Their survival skills, efficient networks, and dynamic culture enabled them to thrive and spread, and to be at the very core of the settlement and development of the Americas. Their hopeful journeys changed not only their world and the fabric of the African Diaspora but also the Western Hemisphere.

  • MYHERITAGE | Haiti ($)

    The Haiti family history research page lists data collections relevant to Haiti.

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

Ancestry US

Ancestry US

CEMETERIES + MEMORIALS.

Uncover the rich lives of your Haitian 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 | HAITI

    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 Haitian 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!

  • HARRY ALVERSON FRANCK PHOTOGRAPHS | Haiti

    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.

  • Grandfather - Caribbean 1970s | Rob Ketcherside

    Taken by my grandfather David C. Cook. Scanned from an unlabeled Kodachrome slide date stamped October, 1977.

  • HUNTLEY FILM ARCHIVES | Haiti

    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.

  • The Montgomery Collection of Caribbean Photographs | Haiti

    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.

  • M/S MUSEET FOR SØFART (M/S MARITIME MUSEUM OF DENMARK) | IMAGE ARCHIVE

    M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark tells the story of Denmark as one of the world's leading maritime nations in an evocative and dramatic way.

    You can visit the digital image archive here where more than 60.000 photos are digitalized (in Danish).

  • NATIONAAL ARCHIEF PHOTO COLLECTION | Haiti

    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.

  • THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES UK PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION | Haiti

    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.

  • New York Public Library STEREOGRAPH COLLECTION | Haiti

    This digital compilation was developed in support of the NYPL website, "The African American Migration Experience," a sweeping 500-year historical narrative from the transatlantic slave trade to the Western migration, the colonization movement, the Great Migration, and the contemporary immigration of Caribbeans, Haitians, and sub-Saharan Africans.

  • 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 Haitian 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 | Haiti

    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.

  • OLD MAPS ONLINE | Haiti

    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 Haitian 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!

  • Bohio Ayiti

    Bohio Ayiti is “Together, let's change the image of Haiti, by showing beauty and creativity”, such is the slogan of the “Bohio Ayiti” association. Created in 2022, the association “Bohio Ayiti” has the subtitle “Nature, history, heritage, arts & culture in Haiti”, which shows its fields of intervention and its ambition to make this country known by showing its beauty, its history, its riches, while investing in the inclusive development of Haitian communities around this exceptional natural, architectural and cultural heritage.

  • GÉNÉALOGIE ET HISTOIRE DE LA CARAÏBE

    Créée en janvier 1989, Généalogie et Histoire de la Caraïbe réunit des personnes et des associations qui s'intéressent aux familles et à l'histoire des Antilles et de la Guyane.

    L'association a pour champ d'action les pays baignés par la Mer des Caraïbes, en particulier les îles tant de langue espagnole qu'anglaise et française principalement Guadeloupe, Guyane, Martinique, Saint Martin, Marie-Galante, Saint Barthélemy, la Désirade, les Saintes et les anciennes possessions françaises comme Saint Christophe (actuelle Saint Kitts), Saint Domingue (actuelle Haïti) ou Sainte Lucie.

  • Haitian Heritage Museum

    The Haitian Heritage Museum (HHM) was inspired by the need to link all Haitian people in the Diaspora together. Founded in 2004 to commemorate Haiti’s Bicentennial, the HHM is a 501c3 organization that is committed to highlighting and preserving Haiti’s rich culture and heritage globally.

  • 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.

reSEARCH RESOURCES.

Uncover the rich lives of your Haitian 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!

  • Haitian Genealogy

    Haitian Genealogy is here to bridge the gap between the diaspora and those born in and living in Haiti through the lens of genealogy. As a hub with access to research, education, resources and collaboration, we enable people to create and preserve a record of their family history and lineages.

  • Haiti Lab

    The Haiti Lab merges research, education, and practical applications of innovative thinking for Haiti’s disaster recovery and for the expansion of Haitian studies in the U.S. and Haiti.

HAITIAN DIASPORA.

Uncover the rich lives of your Haitian 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!

  • CAROLINA HAITIAN WOMEN'S SOCIETY

    CHWS is dedicated to empowering, connecting, and celebrating Haitian women in the Carolinas by fostering personal growth, building meaningful connections within the community, and showcasing the richness of Haitian culture through events and initiatives.

  • HAITI CULTURAL EXCHANGE

    Haiti Cultural Exchange (HCX) is a nonprofit organization established to develop, present, and promote the cultural expressions of the Haitian people. HCX seeks to be a primary, authentic resource for presenting the culture of Haiti and the Diaspora.

  • Haitian American Historical Society

    The Haitian American Historical Society (HAHS) is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to studying and verifying the history of the Haitian experience in America. It shares this rich history with the people of North America, especially Haitian youth, in an effort to engender pride in the Haitian community and foster a better understanding of Haitian history throughout North America.

  • The Haitian American Museum of Chicago

    Founded in 2012, The Haitian American Museum of Chicago (HAMOC) is the realization of a dream by its co-founder, Elsie Hernandez, to create an institution that would hold programs and exhibits that will contribute to the rich multicultural tapestry that is Chicago.

  • THE HAITIAN CREOLE LANGUAGE INSTITUTE OF NEW YORK

    Learn Kreyòl in a supportive space, with a research backed curriculum that contains original content, and with options that give you access to a whole community of Kreyòl language learners! Join the HCLI community now. Isn’t it about time you knew how to say more than “sa k pase”??

  • HAITIAN HERITAGE MUSEUM

    The Haitian Heritage Museum (HHM) was inspired by the need to link all Haitian people in the Diaspora together. Founded in 2004 to commemorate Haiti’s Bicentennial, the HHM is a 501c3 organization that is committed to highlighting and preserving Haiti’s rich culture and heritage globally.

  • HAITIANS OF TORONTO

    We are dedicated to improving the well-being, success, and growth of the Haitian community in Toronto. We believe that by empowering individuals and families through education, support, and community engagement, we can create positive change and promote a brighter future for all Haitians in our city.

  • TOUSSAINT LOUVERTURE CULTURAL CENTER

    The Toussaint Louverture Cultural Center (TLCC) of Massachusetts is an initiative of the Haitian Americans United, Inc. (H.A.U.) and its partners to promote and preserve the rich and vibrant Haitian heritage, deliver educational programming, and leave a legacy for future generations.

BOOKs.

Uncover the rich lives of your Haitian 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 Haitian 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!

  • SAMBUMBIA - DOMINICAN-CARIBBEAN GENETICS AND GENEALOGY

    Analyzing and understanding the roots of Dominican/Quisqueyan/Haitian peoples via genealogy and genetics.

PODCASTS.

Uncover the rich lives of your Haitian 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!

  • DIS A FI MI HISTORY PODCAST

    This is a podcast about Caribbean History and a good resource for individuals researching their family history.

  • ISLAND ARCHIVES

    The Island Archives Podcast is an audio series created to honor the Caribbean heroes/sheroes of the past and present and highlight their immeasurable contributions in different areas/disciplines. We feature their achievements by retelling their stories in an interesting, engaging, and insightful way by blending humor, history and highlights.

SOCIAL MEDIA.

Uncover the rich lives of your Haitian 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.

  • THE CUTLASS MAGAZINE

    A progressive podcast and platform dedicated to the Indo-Caribbean community and other descendants of Indian indentureship from around the world.

  • 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!

  • Haitian Genealogy | Facebook

    Haitian Genealogy assists those of Haitian descent tackle challenges in tracing their lineage.

  • Haitian Genealogy,Genealogie d'Haiti, et Saint- Domingue | Facebook

    This group's mission is to help the diaspora and those from Haiti/Saint-Domingue, Dominican Republic/Santo-Domingo and people of Haitian descent around the world connect with their family history.

  • Histoire Caraïbe | Instagram

    Compte dédié à l’histoire des Antilles/Caraïbes (archives, héritage) : indigènes, africains, asiatiques, européens, arabes…

  • Vintage Haiti | Instagram

    A virtual scrapbook of #Haitian Culture and History.

GENEALOGY VIDEOS + TUTORIALS.

Uncover the rich lives of your Haitian 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.

HIRE A PROFESSIONAL GENEALOGIST.

Uncover the rich lives of your Haitian 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!

  • 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.

  • 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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