Updated: 20 June, 2024.
Have you been ever curious about your Jamaican or Caribbean Family History? Perhaps you’d want to do research about your family tree but not sure where to start?
Tracing your roots can be a transformative journey that reshapes your understanding of family and self. In this episode I share why I started my family history and also shared how you can go about doing your own research. Fueled by a deep love for history and inspired by the PBS series “Finding Your Roots,” I share the process of piecing together some aspects of family tree.
My journey begins with a fascination for history and a desire to uncover more tangible connections to my ancestors. Unlike the broad strokes of DNA results, I wanted specific details—names, places, and dates—that bring my lineage to life. A critical resource in this journey is Jamaica’s Registrar’s Office and using a genealogical service called “Outtamany Search”. Jamaica’s Registrar General’s Department, which holds records dating back to 1661.
Navigating the labyrinth of Jamaican genealogy comes with its unique set of challenges. For example, I uncover the reason why her grandfather and his brothers had different last names—a spelling error due to phonetic recording. Such stories highlight the importance of cross-referencing names and birthdates, as well as verifying information through multiple sources.
Through my family search process I learned about the implications of the Bastardi Act on birth certificates for children born out of wedlock, shedding light on the social fabric of Jamaica during that era. This act often resulted in birth certificates without surnames, adding another layer of complexity to genealogical research. Understanding these historical contexts is crucial for anyone diving into their Jamaican ancestry.
For those interested in embarking on their own genealogical adventures, I offer practical tips and strategies including the importance of preparing detailed family information before starting your research. Knowing birthplaces, dates, and even nicknames can significantly streamline the process.
For those with Caribbean heritage beyond Jamaica, I encourage you to explore similar registrar departments in other countries. Each nation has its unique set of records and historical contexts, making the journey both challenging and rewarding. By being strategic and focused in your research, you can uncover fascinating details about your family’s past.
Things to Consider
If you’re inspired to start your own genealogical quest, remember to gather as much detailed information as possible BEFORE you reach out to Outtamany Search (Formerly Genealogical Search) Basic and required information includes:
- Date of birth,
- Place or Birth or Parish of Birth,
- Date of Marriage if applicable or place of marriage in Jamaica.
- Or in some instances the date of death in Jamaica.
- MOST IMPORTANT: Correct Legal Name – Nick or pet names – be careful of these. In Jamaica we tend to know a person their whole life by one name and never really know their real name. Try to get as much information to confirm real names.
Research Jamaican Family History
Registrar General’s Department – Outtamany Search (Formerly Genealogical Search)
Application Form- New Genealogical Search Form
Manage your expectations with timeline. When I ordered my report, it was during the peak of the pandemic so it took some time. By now, wait times should have improved.
Other Caribbean Countries
For other Caribbean countries you can determine whether the country’s registrar office or whichever department handles marriage licenses and death certificates provide genealogy search services.
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