Chinese-American Genealogy
Documents and Records for Chinese-American Genealogy
Basics
Information on Chinese ancestors in the United States is found in many sources used by genealogists to trace their roots in the U.S., regardless of ethnic background. These include records such as civil registration, census, directories, and others.
In addition to sources of common interest to Chinese and non-Chinese researchers, there are a number sources of genealogical information that specifically relate to the Chinese in the United States. Many are government records resulting from paperwork generated by exclusionary laws (see Chinese-American History).
Finding the Records
At the Vancouver Public Library
Although the Vancouver Public Library does not have microfilm or print copies of original U.S. genealogical records, the collection includes a large number of books that introduce, explain, and explore techniques and tools for U.S. genealogical research. Use the Library's online catalogue to check for items of interest. For search tips, refer to Using the Library Catalogue to Find Genealogical Resources. Information staff at any of VPL's branches will also be pleased to assist. Askaway provides several alternative methods of sending queries to VPL, including e-mail and chat.
Vancouver Public Library users can find a large amount of information relating to U.S. genealogical research, including Chinese-American roots, in the Ancestry Library Edition database. This database is available for free at all VPL locations. For more information on Ancestry Library Edition resources, see Online, below.
At the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is a major repository of genealogically useful U.S. federal records, including extensive documentation relating to the Chinese in the United States. These records have been produced by several government departments. Some are available in NARA databases (see Online, below). Detailed information about NARA holdings of interest to Chinese-American genealogists is available in an extensive NARA guide, Chinese Immigration and Chinese in the United States [full text].
Although the guide is extensive, it does not describe all relevant records. Other records of interest include New England Chinese Immigration records.
Online
The resources listed below provide direct access to records relating to Chinese individuals in the United States. For links to general websites (for example, Chinese-American historical societies and museums), see Websites for Chinese-American Genealogy and History.
Ancestry Library Edition
Records available through this database contain many references to individuals of Chinese origin, including indexes and digitized images of census records from 1790 to 1930. Many Chinese are listed in Ancestry Library Edition's database of Border Crossings: From Canada to U.S., 1895-1956.
Ancestry Library Edition also contains several collections of records specifically relevant to Chinese-Americans. These are described separately below. Ancestry Library Edition is available for free at all VPL locations. Non-VPL users can access Ancestry Library Edition using its private subscription version, Ancestry.com.
Chinese Case Files for District No. 9, Chicago, 1898-1940 (RG 85)
Free browsable list of personal names corresponding to Chinese case files for District No. 9, Chicago, held by the NARA Great Lakes Region office in Chicago.
Chinese Case Files for District No. 10, St. Paul, 1906-1942 (RG 85)
Free browsable list of personal names corresponding to Chinese case files for District No. 10, St. Paul, held by the NARA Great Lakes Region office in Chicago.
The Chinese in California, 1850-1925
A free collection of about 8000 images illustrating nineteenth and early twentieth century Chinese migration to California. Includes a wide range of original source material, including letters, extracts from diaries, business records and many others. Subject, Title, Name, Group and Theme indexes are included.
Emigration/Immigration: Chinese
Free access to indexes and digitized images corresponding to two sets of NARA records. The first comprises 245 documents from Chinese Exclusion Acts Case Files, 1880-1960 held by the NARA Northeast Region (New York City) office. The second is made up of 163 Immigration Investigations Files Relating to the Enforcement of the Exclusion Acts, 1882-1943, held by NARA Pacific Region offices in San Bruno and Laguna Niguel in California and Seattle, Washington.
Hawaii Chinese Exclusion Index
An index to over 16,6000 "Chinese Exclusion" case files created by the Honolulu District Office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, from approximately 1903-1944. Available for free through Ancestry Library Edition at all Vancouver Public Library locations or to individual subscribers through Ancestry.com.
New York Chinese Exclusion Index
An index to over 18,500 "Chinese Exclusion" case files created by the New York District Office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, from approximately 1882-1960. Available for free through Ancestry Library Edition at all Vancouver Public Library locations or to individual subscribers through Ancestry.com.
San Francisco Chinese Exclusion List
An index to over 5000 "Chinese Exclusion" case files created by the San Francisco District Office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, from approximately 1903-1944. Available for free through Ancestry Library Edition at all Vancouver Public Library locations or to individual subscribers through Ancestry.com.
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