Family-name research — a mini family tree in 30 minutes

For schools, families or community centres: from family name to plantation to ancestor in 30 minutes.

Learning goals

The participant can trace a family name back to a plantation in Suriname.
The participant understands the value and limits of the Slave Register as a source.

Materials

Printed worksheet (1 per pupil)
Internet or laptop for surinameglobalgroup.com
Pens, optional A3 paper for group work
Optional: world map, video clip of a Keti Koti commemoration (YouTube)

Curriculum mapping

Buitenschools / volwasseneneducatie

Lesson timing

Min	Activity
5	Introduction + reading the intro together
15	Worksheets — independent or in pairs
10	Discussing answers + reflection questions
5	Extension activity / homework

Lesson context (read aloud)

Many Surinamese-Dutch families today carry a surname that was assigned somewhere between 1832 and 1863 by a Dutch colonial official. Sometimes it is the plantation name, sometimes the owner's name, sometimes a fantasy name. This lesson helps you go from that name to concrete information in 30 minutes.

Exercises with model answers

1. Step 1 — Write down the family name you want to research (for example a grandparent's).

Personal answer.

2. Step 2 — Go to surinameglobalgroup.com/en/roots and enter the name. Note all plantations that appear.

Personal list. Sometimes 1 plantation, sometimes dozens.

3. Step 3 — Click the plantation with the most mentions. Note: what was grown there? Along which river / in which district?

Personal information from the plantation page.

4. Step 4 — View the "Historical context" and the "Top maternal lines". Is one of those mother names also known in your family?

Personal reflection.

5. Step 5 — For depth: look up the same name at the CBG (cbg.nl) or National Archive (nationaalarchief.nl, slave-register database).

Reference task.

⭐ Follow-up activity

Make a family poster with the data you found: surname, plantation(s), district, crops, any known ancestors. Share the poster with your family during Keti Koti (1 July) or a family gathering.

Discussion prompts

What does freedom mean to you personally — and what did it mean in 1863?
Which words do we use today ("slave" vs "enslaved person") and why does word choice matter?
Do you know a monument or commemoration in your country related to this history?
Which family names in your class/community might come from Suriname?

Differentiation

Faster pupils: have them compare 2 plantations instead of 1.
Pupils who need more support: pair work, or pre-select the plantation for them.
Pupils with personal ties to Suriname: invite them to share — but never require it.

Sensitive content — handle with care

This lesson touches on slavery, racism and dehumanisation. Use the term "enslaved person" rather than "slave". Acknowledge that some pupils may have personal/family ties to this history. Invite, never require, them to share. Allow space for emotion and have a follow-up plan if pupils need to talk afterwards.