Samoa’s death records are an important resource for genealogists researching family histories in this Pacific island nation. Civil registration of deaths began in the early 1900s under colonial administration, though record-keeping varied over time due to shifts in governance by Germany, New Zealand, and later, Samoa’s independence in 1962. Earlier records can often be found in church registers, particularly those maintained by Christian missionaries who arrived in the 19th century.
These records typically provide key details such as the deceased’s name, date and place of death, age, and family relationships. Supplementary sources, including cemetery records, oral traditions, and family genealogies (gafa), help fill gaps in earlier documentation and provide broader historical context.
Samoa’s rich history, shaped by its Indigenous Polynesian culture, European colonial influence, and strong community ties, is reflected in these records. Family lineage is highly valued in Samoan society, and many families maintain detailed oral histories alongside official records. For genealogists, Samoa’s death records are an invaluable tool for tracing ancestry, preserving family legacies, and understanding the nation’s cultural and historical development. These records provide a vital link between past and present, connecting families to their Samoan heritage.
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Birth, Marriage & Death
Death, Burial, Cemetery & Obituaries
- Samoa Burials, 1895-1970 110,150 records
