A little-known part of American history is the Asian immigrants who settled in the South in the 1800s and 1900s. Some were brought to work in agriculture, others established groceries and other businesses. Under Jim Crow segregation, they had different statuses as “Colored” or “White” depending on where they lived and the time.
A little-known part of American history is the Asian immigrants who settled in the South in the 1800s and 1900s. Some were brought to work in agriculture, others established groceries and other businesses. Under Jim Crow segregation, they had different statuses as “Colored” or “White” depending on where they lived and the time.
Finding the records for “impossible” genealogy – lessons learned from a Chinese genealogist
Even now, genealogy for underrepresented populations can be considered “impossible.” In this talk you’ll learn which populations are considered so, why that is, and techniques for expanding your genealogical skills. I use Chinese genealogy but the lessons are applicable for all underrepresented genealogical groups.
Even now, genealogy for underrepresented populations can be considered “impossible.” In this talk you’ll learn which populations are considered so, why that is, and techniques for expanding your genealogical skills. I use Chinese genealogy but the lessons are applicable for all underrepresented genealogical groups.
There is little documentation about Chinese railroad workers who built the Transcontinental and many other railroads in the U.S. starting in the 1860s. This webinar will describe some of the materials that do exist and other sources to use to learn more.
There is little documentation about Chinese railroad workers who built the Transcontinental and many other railroads in the U.S. starting in the 1860s. This webinar will describe some of the materials that do exist and other sources to use to learn more.
Chinese Genealogy: An Introduction to Jiapu 家譜 (Chinese Genealogy Records)
Because of the Chinese tradition of ancestor veneration, the earliest discovered written records in China included genealogical information. The rich, historical tradition of preserving genealogies in China gives the potential for someone of Chinese ancestry to be able to trace their lineage for over 100 generations, reaching back thousands of years. This presentation includes a brief history of Chinese genealogies, a look at the typical format and content of these records, search methodologies for finding Chinese genealogies (including searching for ancestral villages and exploring the Chinese genealogical collections of FamilySearch, the Shanghai Library, and other institutions), and instruction for reading the lineage and data tables portions these records.
Because of the Chinese tradition of ancestor veneration, the earliest discovered written records in China included genealogical information. The rich, historical tradition of preserving genealogies in China gives the potential for someone of Chinese ancestry to be able to trace their lineage for over 100 generations, reaching back thousands of years. This presentation includes a brief history of Chinese genealogies, a look at the typical format and content of these records, search methodologies for finding Chinese genealogies (including searching for ancestral villages and exploring the Chinese genealogical collections of FamilySearch, the Shanghai Library, and other institutions), and instruction for reading the lineage and data tables portions these records.
Chinese American Research: Challenges and Discoveries
The Chinese Exclusion Act, in effect from 1882-1943, made it difficult for Chinese to immigrate to America but also created a myriad of documents, many stored in the National Archives, which help genealogists. Researchers often have to determine if family names are "real" or "paper" because of what people had…
The Chinese Exclusion Act, in effect from 1882-1943, made it difficult for Chinese to immigrate to America but also created a myriad of documents, many stored in the National Archives, which help genealogists. Researchers often have to determine if family names are "real" or "paper" because of what people had…
Finding Genealogical Data in the Chinese Exclusion Act Case Files
Chinese genealogical research is challenging. Even the names are confusing—a person could have two or three distinctly different names during his lifetime, and possibly an Americanized version. This webinar will give a brief history of the act, tell where the files are located, and how to access them. Examples…
Chinese genealogical research is challenging. Even the names are confusing—a person could have two or three distinctly different names during his lifetime, and possibly an Americanized version. This webinar will give a brief history of the act, tell where the files are located, and how to access them. Examples…
Advanced Census Research: Understanding Census Enumerators and Their Instructions
Wed, February 4 2026: 16:30 UTC
The census is one of our basic research tools, but basic doesn’t equal simple. Often a census record can raise as many questions as it answers, and some of those questions may seem unanswerable. Learn how an understanding of who the enumerators were, what their instructions prescribed, and some of the many ways they deviated from the instructions can answer many of the questions raised by census research.
The census is one of our basic research tools, but basic doesn’t equal simple. Often a census record can raise as many questions as it answers, and some of those questions may seem unanswerable. Learn how an understanding of who the enumerators were, what their instructions prescribed, and some of the many ways they deviated from the instructions can answer many of the questions raised by census research.
The Many Faces of the Census: Beyond the Population Schedule – Agricultural, Mortality, and Industry Records
Wed, February 4 2026: 17:45 UTC
Most researchers stop at the population schedule, but census records also include valuable schedules that document farms, businesses, deaths, and community life. This session explores agricultural, mortality, and industry schedules, showing how they can be used to add depth to family history.
Most researchers stop at the population schedule, but census records also include valuable schedules that document farms, businesses, deaths, and community life. This session explores agricultural, mortality, and industry schedules, showing how they can be used to add depth to family history.
Case Studies in Census Conflicts – Resolving Contradictions Across Decades
Wed, February 4 2026: 19:00 UTC
Census records often contradict one another. Ages change, names vary, and places of birth are inconsistent. This session demonstrates how to analyze and reconcile those conflicts through timelines, correlation with other records, and case studies that show how to draw conclusions from imperfect evidence.
Census records often contradict one another. Ages change, names vary, and places of birth are inconsistent. This session demonstrates how to analyze and reconcile those conflicts through timelines, correlation with other records, and case studies that show how to draw conclusions from imperfect evidence.
Context in the Count: Interpreting the U.S. Census With a Historical Perspective
Wed, February 4 2026: 20:30 UTC
The U.S. federal census wasn’t designed with genealogists in mind; it was created to meet the changing needs of a growing nation. This session takes you beyond the names and numbers, exploring the historical context behind each census from 1790 to 1950. We’ll examine how shifting questions, enumeration methods, and national priorities have shaped the records we rely on today. By understanding the “why” behind the census, you’ll gain tools to interpret your ancestors’ entries with greater accuracy and uncover richer stories hidden in the data.
The U.S. federal census wasn’t designed with genealogists in mind; it was created to meet the changing needs of a growing nation. This session takes you beyond the names and numbers, exploring the historical context behind each census from 1790 to 1950. We’ll examine how shifting questions, enumeration methods, and national priorities have shaped the records we rely on today. By understanding the “why” behind the census, you’ll gain tools to interpret your ancestors’ entries with greater accuracy and uncover richer stories hidden in the data.
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