Our history.
Our shared legacy.

Discover the documents, voices and stories of the West Indies Federation. Preserving an extraordinary chapter of Caribbean history for generations to come.

Explore the Exhibitions   Discover Our Story
West Indies Federation1958 — 1962Preserving Caribbean heritage
Explore our heritage

What part of history will you discover?

A legacy worth preserving

A window into a defining moment in Caribbean history.

The W.I. Federal Archives Centre is dedicated to acquiring, preserving and making available records of the West Indies Federation (1958–1962). Its collections offer a window into a period of regional cooperation, ambition and shared identity.

Explore the people, institutions and ideas that shaped this historic movement and continue to inform the Caribbean story today.

Explore the Federation's history
Historical books and archival research materials
Our purpose

To acquire, preserve and make available.

The records of the West Indies Federation are part of our collective memory. WIFAC helps safeguard this heritage and supports its discovery by researchers, educators, students and the wider public.

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1958Federation established
1962Federation dissolved
One shared storyCaribbean history, preserved for future generations
Featured online exhibition

The dream of a united West Indies.

A starting point for exploring the West Indies Federation: the vision of regional unity, the challenges of building a federation and the enduring significance of the years 1958 to 1962.

Explore the Story

Concept exhibition: final content and historical imagery to be curated by WIFAC.

1958
Digital Exhibition

One Region.
Many Voices.

1958 — 1962
A brief history

The Federation years.

A short introduction to a pivotal era in Caribbean regional history.

1958

The Federation begins

The West Indies Federation is established, bringing together ten British Caribbean territories in a regional political union.

1961

A turning point

Jamaica votes in a referendum to leave the Federation, a major challenge to the regional project.

1962

The Federation ends

The Federation is dissolved, but its legacy continues to shape conversations about Caribbean integration.

Updates & activities

News & events

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Explore publications and resources

Find out more about available publications and other resources from the Centre.

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Connect with history

History belongs to everyone.

Whether you are a student, researcher or simply curious about our region's past, begin your journey with the W.I. Federal Archives Centre.

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