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Plan a roots trip to Grenada

Trace Caribbean roots in spice-island parishes and archives.

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Grenada is a small island nation in the eastern Caribbean, with a rich creole heritage shaped by indigenous Carib and Arawak peoples, African diaspora, French and British colonial periods, and later Indian indentured labour. Most family historians researching Grenadian ancestry will find records concentrated in the southern parishes—St. George's, St. Andrew's, St. David's, St. John's, St. Mark's, St. Patrick's, and Carriacou and Petite Martinique (the two northern islands). The population is predominantly Afro-Caribbean, with significant East Indian and mixed-heritage communities. Civil registration of births, deaths, and marriages began around 1864, though records before 1900 can be incomplete. Parish records, church registers (Anglican, Roman Catholic, and other denominations), and plantation records from the colonial era are essential sources. The Grenada National Archives holds many original documents; additional material may be held by churches, the Central Statistics Office, or regional repositories. Emigration to Trinidad, Tobago, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom was common, especially in the 20th century.

Genealogy highlights

  • Civil registration (births, deaths, marriages) from 1864 onwards at the Central Statistics Office.
  • Parish and church registers (Anglican, Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian) dating to the 1700s for some parishes.
  • Plantation and slavery records from the colonial period (1600s–1800s), sometimes housed in UK archives.
  • Census records and voter rolls for the 19th and 20th centuries.
  • Emigration records and passenger lists for Caribbean migration and overseas movement.
  • Land and property records in the Land Registry, useful for establishing residence and family connections.

Record types to know

  • Civil registration (births, deaths, marriages)
  • Parish and church registers
  • Plantation and slavery records
  • Census records
  • Land and property deeds
  • Emigration and passenger lists

Emigration patterns

Significant emigration occurred from the late 1800s onwards, particularly to Trinidad and Tobago (especially after the 1951 volcanic eruption), the United States (New York, Boston), Canada, and the United Kingdom. Many Grenadians also migrated internally within the Caribbean. Remittance flows and chain migration patterns mean many family trees span multiple islands and diaspora countries.

Heritage trip tips

  • Visit St. George's, the capital, where many civil and church records are centralized; the town's architecture reflects French and British colonial influence.
  • Respect church hours and seek permission before accessing parish registers; many are held by clergy or vestries.
  • The dry season (December–May) offers the most comfortable weather for archive work and travel.
  • Learn basic French and Spanish phrases; English is official, but creole French patois and Spanish are spoken locally.
  • Allow time for Carriacou and Petite Martinique if your ancestors came from those islands; ferry access is available from St. George's.
  • Hire a local guide or contact the Grenada genealogy society (if available) to help navigate archives and locate family sites.

Practical notes

  • The Grenada National Archives is located in St. George's; verify opening hours and research access before visiting.
  • Bring official identification and expect to complete reader registration forms.
  • Digital copies or microfilm may be available for some records; inquire about postal or email requests if you cannot travel in person.
  • Currency is the East Caribbean Dollar; most transactions accept credit cards in towns, though cash is useful for remote areas.
  • Verify travel entry requirements (passport validity, visa status) with your government before departure.

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