Culture & History
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Gale Dictionary of Literary Biography
Offers complete online access to all volumes of the Dictionary of Literary Biography.
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Genealogy and Family History
Explore your roots at VPL and beyond: resources and services for genealogists.
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Genealogy Charts
A major focus of any genealogical research project is the identification and gathering of basic details about each ancestor, such as name, and date and place of birth, marriage, death and burial.
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Genealogy in China
Jia Pu - An Ancient Chinese Tradition
There is a strong genealogical tradition in China. In many families and clans ancestral shrines were maintained within the home, or in the case of the wealthy, a separate ancestral hall. The ancestral shrine or hall housed wooden tablets, inscribed with the names of the honoured dead.
Ancestors' names were also collected in written genealogical records – jia pu (traditional or simplified) or zu pu. A classic Chinese genealogy contains a large amount of information including: family rules and instructions, portraits and biographies of important clansmen
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Genealogy Software
Many genealogists use specialized genealogy software. Genealogy software programs typically provide forms that allow users to type in information about their ancestors, as well as options for generating various types of charts and reports.
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General Registers of Chinese Immigration
The General Registers of Chinese Immigration is a very important resource for Chinese Canadian genealogical research. The register was created in Ottawa, and was based on records submitted by immigration officials at various ports. It spans the period from 1885-1949, and theoretically lists all immigrants of Chinese ancestry who arrived in Canada during that period. There are some entries for arrivals dating back as early as 1860.
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Get Organized
The more you explore your family history, the more information you will gather. At the beginning, it is worthwhile to spend some time getting organized. Here are some helpful tips and information to help you do that.
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Heirlooms and Family Treasures
Your family may have collected many items over time which could provide useful clues to your family history, as well as a richer picture of people's lives.
One of the most useful types of memorabilia is the Chinese Immigration Certificates and Forms that were issued by federal immigration officials.
Other examples include:
- Family Bible
- Newspaper clippings
- Letters
- School yearbooks and report cards
- Passports
- Photographs
When possible, make copies of family memorabilia. In some cases, you may be able to make photocopies. However, older items are sometimes quite delicate, and cannot be photocopied. Prepare