If your family tree is rooted in Bahamian soil and you’re interested in tracing your ancestry, check out the Bahamas Genealogy Group (BGG).
It’s a Yahoo group of 600+ members, all Bahamian or of Bahamian descent, and its purpose is to promote and preserve quality Bahamian genealogical and historical information.
Having been a member for several years, what I love most about the BGG is that it’s 100% Bahamian. Unlike many other online genealogy sites, ALL the discussions on the BGG forum are related to Bahamian history and ancestry. And unlike many of those ancestry resources, it’s free!
There’s a main BGG forum, where you can post your ancestry questions and reply to those posted by others, as well as databases of historic Bahamian photos and documents uploaded by members. Virtually every Bahamian island and surname is represented.
To help integrate new members, the BGG appoints a welcome moderator. For some time, this post has been filled by Hal Burgert — in fact, it was Hal who welcomed me with warmth and enthusiasm when I joined.
A few months back, when Hal decided to hand over the reins, I volunteered to take on the welcome moderator role. Both in my personal ancestral journey as well as my research for Those Who Stayed, BGG members have always been supportive and helpful. This seemed like a terrific way to say thank you and to pay it forward.
As welcome moderator, my job is to review and approve all new BGG member requests and introduce new members to the group.
Submitting a member request is easy – just click HERE and select “Join.” Where it asks for “comments for the group owner,” just note briefly what interests you about Bahamian genealogy – what your connection is to the Bahamas or what surnames or islands are of particular interest.
I’ll receive an email notification with this information and get in touch with you. Once I’ve approved your membership, I’ll post a note to all BGG members, introducing you and giving them an idea of where your interests lie — you’ll be surprised at how quickly the BGG members chime in with tips, advice and information!
If you have questions about joining the BGG, feel free to contact me directly. Otherwise, I look forward to welcoming you to the group soon!
Well said, Amanda. Our Bahamas Genealogy Group has the best helpers. Thanks for the photos with Bahamas surnames: Pedican (one I’d like to see researched) and Saunders, then your Albury, Curry grandparents who we’ve traced to Eleuthera before the move to Abaco, and the knots tied to like most of us together.
Im Bahamian born my father a Pritchard my mother a Weech love family history.
Bahamian Knowles. From Freeport 1st generation. Family Long Island and exams by the ferry
Thank you for this. Clinton Deveaux was my grandfather. He was from Crooked Island. My Grandmother Bloneva Deveaux was born in Florida but raised in Nassau by Edward Fawkes and Mildred Fawkes (McKinney). We will have a family reunion in July of this year in Nassau.
My name is Cedric Monroe and I am interested in learning more about my Bahamian ancestry. My grandfather’s name was Levi Monroe and my grandfather’s name was Clara Monroe(Dorsett or Dorsette).
Hi, Cedric! I’ve found one of the best places to research Bahamian Genealogy is the Bahamas Genealogy Group. https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/BahamasGenealogyGroup/info. I just happen to be the welcome administrator for the group, so if you send a member request, I’ll accept it and post a note to the group, explaining what you’re looking to achieve in your genealogical research. Unfortunately, I’m not able to just add you – you have to go to the page and send a member request. Thanks!
Amanda
Hi Amanda,
You are a wonderful soul and our group is just doing miracles in getting the word out to get donations to the Bahamas !?
Hello,
My name is April Clark. My mother was Keva L. Clark (maden Knowles) from Long Island. My Grandmother was Martha Elizabeth Knowles also of Long Island. I currently have two sisters who live in Long Island and one Aunt living who is also from Mangro Bush / Deadmans Cay Long Island. I would like to join so I can trace my family tree back further.
Hi, April. Thanks for getting in touch. Unfortunately, I’m not able to manually add members to the Bahamas Genealogy Group. But if you submit a member request through the BGG webpage (https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/BahamasGenealogyGroup) I’d be happy to accept it. Thanks!
Amanda
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