Basics
Start Your Research
Once you are organized and know how to use genealogical charts, you are ready to start your research.
If you haven't already done so, begin by filling in as much information as you can on your Ancestor Charts and Family Group Records.
Now look at the charts to see where information is missing. Finding this missing information is a major part of what genealogical research is all about.
It is generally recommended that you start with the generation closest to you (your children or yourself) and work backwards, one generation at a time. It is also a good idea to focus on one branch of the family at a time. For example, you might decide to follow your mother's paternal ancestral line - that is, her father, her father's father, her father's father's father, and so on.
You'll find information to help you locate the missing information in your genealogical charts in the Family Sources and Documents and Records sections of this website.
As you conduct your research, it is very important to Evaluate and Cite Your Sources and Keep a Research Log.
You may find Genealogy Software useful when working on your genealogy project.
Other people with an interest and experience in researching their Chinese roots may also be able to help. There are two online Chinese Genealogy message boards on which you can post questions and share information with others.
Good luck!
Photo banner: Detail from VPL Historical Photograph 8838
