Hi Everyone,
I'm from the Virgin Islands and I'm trying to find the history of two of my family lines... the Marchena's and the Martis families. Does anyone have any information on this topic? Are there books that I can buy that will cover the history specific to Bonaire? Thanks, nadine

Sorry but there are none presently in print. There is a local historian, Boi Antion who I am sure has a wealth of information but he writes mostly Papiamento. Check the web site http://www.extrabon.com/ and e mail him. His English is perfect so he will understand what you are asking. Bon Seure

Thanks so much for the information Michael. I will send an email immediately. Would you know where to find census information on Bonaire during the 1800 to 1900s?

Re census info: Boi is the unofficial (I believe unofficial) island historian and likely would know as much as anyone about census info, etc., as anyone. A good 'one stop' source.

Also we do have the cival registry that has the records. They will mostly be in Dutch however. As Glen mentioned, Boi will know how to access them.