Sierra Leone Compiled Genealogies

Africa Sierra Leone

Oral Genealogies
Oral genealogies are spoken lineages that are common in certain parts of the world. Oral Genealogies can be especially useful in localities where few if any written records exist and in some cultures are the main genealogical tool for researchers.
 * For more background information, see Oral Genealogies.

Online Records

 * FamilySearch Genealogies Index. Enter specific names and places in the search fields in the left sidebar.

Record Profile
Research use: Very useful supplement to civil and church records, especially prior to 1800; often the only source of family information available for native Africans.

Record type: Transcribed oral genealogies, tribal and family histories, pedigrees, etc. covering many indigenous inhabitants of Sierra Leone not found in the civil, church, or census records.

Time period: Approximately 1700-present.

Contents: Transcribed family pedigrees obtained by oral interview.

Location: National Archives in Freetown; some are in regional and local archives.

Population coverage: Approximately 30% of the native population.

Reliability: Good.