Searching for Your Virgin Islands Roots with David Lynch




Research at the National Archives&Beyond show

Summary:   Bernice Bennett welcomes David Lynch who brings a new approach to searching his Caribbean roots, specifically in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the former Danish West Indies.  David used his 20 years of experience in scientific research to guide his work in uncovering his family’s 300 year history in the islands.  Very few records are available online, so David explored the rarely used NARA RG 55 in College Park and other sources. These records hold a wealth of information including tax lists and a nearly complete set of newspapers from St Croix dating from the early 1800’s.  In the process he learned a lot about the islands, the people, and a family history that was very different then he expected.   He chronicles his discoveries in his blog – 200 Year’s in Paradise – selected as one of Family Tree Magazine's Top 40 for 2012.