Chinese Surname Search Symposium: Chan Family Case Study 12/3/2024

Session Details 12/3/2024, 10AM – 1:45PM, Doors open at 9:30  FamilySearch Center, 4766 Lincoln Ave,Oakland, CA, Downstairs Meeting Room

Register for BACGG – Chinese Surname Search Symposium

Chinese Surname Search Symposium: Chan Family Case Study. A Chinese surname is not just a name. It comes with thousands of years of history, dreams and desires. This four hour symposium, with multiple speakers, will teach you how to find your surname history, research your ancestors, and even help you find your village in China. Plus use Chinese Association resources right here in the Bay Area may potentially break through genealogical barriers. There is also a premier of a short movie on the history of the Chan family, and tutorial on how it was produced so you may create the same. No matter what surname you have, you will learn from the “Chan template” of how to weave your surname history into your own. You are welcome to bring a brown bag lunch when we take a break. Please take advantage of your trip to the Oakland Family Search Center as after this session there are docents that can assist with online research, and/or full (and free!) use of a comprehensive digital lab for scanning photos, slides, negatives and video.    

10:00 – 10:10 Ron Chan, BACGG Executive Director, Welcome

10:10 – 11:00 AM, Huihan Lie, Founder & CEO, My China Roots. From Surnames to Records: Find your Chinese American Ancestors with My China Roots. Discover what tools and resources are available on the My China Roots platform to explore your Chinese family history! In this talk, My China Roots founder Huihan Lie will demonstrate: How to build your (Chinese) family tree. How to search records of your ancestors. How to find your family tree book (zupu/jiapu). To make the most of the workshop, we encourage you to create a FREE family tree on My China Roots in advance: https://www.mychinaroots.com/familytree/ and add as many ancestors as possible. Participants will also learn about My China Roots’ bespoke field research and roots trip services, for those who wish to travel back to their ancestral home in China. Attendees will also enjoy a 15% discount on My China Roots online subscriptions and bespoke research services. 

11:00 – 12:15PM, Dr Kenneth Chan, The Chan Clan Chronicles Project The Chan/Chin/Chen/Chun Family has a long, proud, and rich history.  The Chan Clan Chronicles is best described as a kaleidoscope of Chan/Chin/Chen/Chun family history, mythology, culture, ancestral roots, and family stories. The project contains a library of 15 video chapters, which gathers together all available information about Chan/Chin/Chen/Chun family history, and organizes the materials into a comprehensive resource for family historians and genealogists researching their family roots. During this session, you will preview video highlights of the Chan Clan Chronicles, learn about your name, ancestors, ancestral home, and place of origin, receive a behind-the-scenes look at the genesis and development of the Chan Clan Chronicles project, and gain ideas and strategies for creating or augmenting your own Chan/Chin/Chen/Chun family history project.

12:15 – 12:45PM, Brown bag lunch and general discussion

12:45 – 1:45PM, George Chin, Getting to Know Your Chin’s (陳), The Enduring Influence of Chin Feng Tai’s (陳鳳台) Lineage. The descendants of Chin (陳) Feng Tai have spread across the globe, making notable contributions to local and regional histories. I will plan a presentation highlights the lives and stories of individuals (陳) descendants who have influenced Chinese American history over the past century. Additionally, the role of Chin family associations in America is examined, emphasizing their importance in preserving cultural heritage and fostering community connections. Through this exploration, the aim is to understand the lasting impact of Chin Feng Tai’s lineage and encourage engagement with Chin (陳) family associations.

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