Author: shelley dewese

With over 40 years in the Virgin Islands, I am a New Yorker with deep roots in the Danish West Indies, researching surnames Bough, Beaudhuy, and Gasper. Uncovering my history has revealed unknown aspects of my ancestry, shaping my present identity. I find joy in sharing stories and connecting with others.

As a transcriptionist researcher, I compiled the digitized St. Croix Population Database, drawing from Danish, American, and Virgin Islands archives. I am a proud member of organizations like the Society of Virgin Islands Historian, Friends of Denmark and Ujima Genealogy Research Group.

My dream of exploring Danish West Indies ancestors became a reality through the St. Croix Population Database and access to collections at the St. Croix Landmarks Society. I recently launched the VI Headline Rewinds podcast, delving into vintage Virgin Islands newspapers.

I appreciate the support of collaborators and followers. For assistance with Danish West Indies genealogy, feel free to reach out via email. its.sheldew@gmail.com

Frank E. Petersen by Lynnette LaPlace

Lynette LaPlace is a young dedicated genealogist who is consumed with her family history (my kind of gene-buddy). She is from the Virgin Islands and traces her maternal and paternal roots to the Danish West Indies and Dominica. It is a pleasure to have connected with her while researching my Danish West Indian family. As…… Continue reading Frank E. Petersen by Lynnette LaPlace

Honoring My Ancestral Mothers

Flower in the Weeds Looking at my genealogy research today, I felt very humbled by the number of mothers who came before me. It inspired me to post a reflection of my ancestral mothers some free, some enslaved – in the Danish West Indies/US Virgin Islands and Barbados.     I began with my mother, Joyce Bough. …… Continue reading Honoring My Ancestral Mothers

A Crucian who paved the way.

Levi Bough was a trailblazing Terrier as he broke the color barrier at St. Francis, becoming the first black student-athlete on the men’s basketball team in 1947. This year, the St. Francis Athletics department will honor Terriers men’s basketball Hall of Famer Jerome Williams (class of ’76) with the Levi Bough Trailblazer Award. St. Francis…… Continue reading A Crucian who paved the way.