How do I Find Haitian Ancestors?

Organizations are working to preserve and provide access to genealogical information in Haiti.

According to information acquired during the 2000 U.S. Census, most Haitians came to the United States during or after the year 1965, when immigration restrictions were loosened. Upon arrival these Haitians chose to settle primarily on the Northeastern seaboard and Florida. Though Haiti is a poor country, efforts are underway by numerous organizations, including The Association de Généalogie d'Haiti, to preserve and provide access to the country's genealogical records.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pencil
• Genealogical forms
• 3-Ring binder
• Paper punch
• Computer with Internet access
• E-mail address
• Genealogy Program (optional)
• Portable flash drive

Instructions

1. Interview each and every one of your living relatives of Haitian descent and take copious notes of everything they can tell you about themselves and their ancestors. Document given names, nicknames, birthdates, death dates, marriage dates, religion, and offspring.

2. Ask to see or make copies of any family bibles, old letters or other documents that may contain information on your Haitian ancestors. Check federal census records either online, or at the public library to confirm your ancestors came from Haiti. Also check old newspaper records for marriage announcements and obituaries that might contain names of other relatives, and give hints to places of birth, or other towns or countries to help in your search.

3. Fill in any applicable information on genealogy forms such as family group sheets and pedigree charts that you have copied from genealogy books, or downloaded and printed off the Internet. Also keep a research log of where, or from whom you obtained information so it can be verified, or referred to later. Keep you records organized in a 3-ring binder. Consider using a genealogy program on your computer as well. Save records both on your hard drive and a portable flash drive so you have a back-up and can easily carry your work.

4. Access immigration and naturalization records through the National Archives either online, or in Washington D.C., or one of its other branch sites. Consider paying to join The Association de Généalogie d'Haiti to gain access to member benefits. Set up a dedicated e-mail address to send and receive messages pertaining to your research on Haitian ancestors, and join appropriate genealogical forms and message boards to help gather information.

5. Travel to Haiti if you are able. Go to Port au Prince and visit the Bibliotheque Nationale d'Haiti and the Centre de Documentation to search their records. Remember to consult church parish records, birth, death and marriage records, ship's passenger lists, and family histories. Haiti was once controlled by France. If you can trace your Haitian ancestors back to the revolt in 1804, you may find additional information in the National Archives of France or the Bibliotheque Nationale de France in Paris, both of which may be accessed online.

6. Expand your knowledge of Haitian history. Before becoming a French colony in 1697, Haiti was inhabited by the Spanish, who came to the island in 1492 and during the next 25 years, nearly decimated the original inhabitants known as Taino Amerindians. African slaves were also brought to Haiti to work. Your Haitian ancestors could be of Spanish, French, African or even native descent.

References

• The Complete Beginner's Guide to Genealogy, the Internet and Your Genealogy Computer Program by Karen Clifford, A.G.; 2001Genealogical Publishing Co., Baltimore MD
• epodunk: Haitian Ancestry maps
• CIA: The World Factbook
• Everyculture: Haitian Americans
• Distantcousin: Haitian Genealogy and Family History

Resources

• The Association de Généalogie d'Haiti
• Genforum: Haiti Genealogy Forum
• Portals of the World: Libraries
• National Archives: Online site