The multinational company Ancestry has announced that it has digitized, indexed, and made available online nearly four million documents related to enslaved people in 20 former British colonies, including Mauritius. This collection is based on records kept at the National Archives in the United Kingdom. The documents provide valuable information for genealogical research, particularly for those seeking to reconnect with their ancestral heritage.
Interestingly, the National Archives in Coromandel, Mauritius, also hold copies of these slave registers, which have been digitized and made accessible through the Nelson Mandela Centre for African Culture's "slave database". This online portal allows individuals to research their family history and reconstruct their genealogical tree. Stephan Karghoo, historian and director of the centre, notes that while Ancestry's announcement may seem significant, it is not a revelation, as the original records are already available in Mauritius.
The digitized records, known as the T71 series, cover the period from 1813 to 1840 and were compiled to monitor the illicit slave trade in these territories. The registers contain information on enslaved individuals, including their names, which often served as a means of administration and control. Karghoo emphasizes that a name during the slavery era can be a powerful tool for resistance and continuity, and that recovering a name can be a vital step in reclaiming one's dignity.
While making these records available online can facilitate genealogical research, Karghoo cautions that it is only a starting point. Tracing one's ancestry requires more than just finding a name in a register; it involves reconstructing a narrative that connects the individual to their ancestors. This process often involves navigating multiple generations, using birth and death certificates, and verifying the accuracy of records.
The Nelson Mandela Centre for African Culture has been working on genealogical research since 2011, with the goal of creating a National Genealogy Centre to support individuals in their quest for identity and family history. However, this centre has yet to materialize. In the meantime, the centre's "slave database" provides a valuable resource for those seeking to explore their ancestral heritage.
The 1826 census is a particularly significant document in this context, as it provides a snapshot of the enslaved population in the British colonies at a time when the slave trade was being phased out. This census and other records can help individuals establish connections with their ancestors and provide insights into their lives, including the plantations where they worked and their geographical origins.
Ultimately, genealogical research requires patience, persistence, and a nuanced understanding of the historical context. While digital platforms like Ancestry can provide access to valuable records, they are only a starting point for a journey that often involves navigating complex family histories and verifying the accuracy of records.
Key points
- Ancestry has digitized and made available online nearly four million documents related to enslaved people in 20 former British colonies, including Mauritius.
- The National Archives in Coromandel, Mauritius, also hold copies of these slave registers, which have been digitized and made accessible through the Nelson Mandela Centre for African Culture's "slave database".
- Genealogical research requires more than just finding a name in a register; it involves reconstructing a narrative that connects the individual to their ancestors.
