The old genealogy has generational gaps
The old genealogy records up to the generation of grandfathers or great-grandfathers, and later marriage, birth, migration, and biographical information needs to be added.
Respect the old genealogy and carry it into the present
Old Genealogy Continuation
Before continuing a genealogy, it is important to clarify which edition of the old genealogy is being used, from which generation the continuation begins, and which branches are participating. The original text of the old genealogy, newly added contemporary information, and the editorial decisions for this revision should be preserved in separate layers.
Applicable Scenarios
First determine the current stage of your materials
Projects with the same surname and the same number of people may require different working methods depending on the source materials and objectives. The following scenarios are suitable for starting with this service.
Multiple old editions coexist
The family has genealogy books from different years or different branches, so the relationship between versions must be assessed first.
The old genealogy needs to be rearranged
The content is still usable, but the paper is damaged, the type is hard to read, or the table of contents is disorganized, and the family hopes to digitize it and continue it into a finished book.
Workflow
Every step leaves intermediate results that can be checked
We first confirm the scope and basis, then organize, verify, and sign off step by step, so that all issues are not left until the final round of revisions.
Inventory of old genealogies
Record the genealogy title, year of compilation, chief editors, number of volumes and fascicles, missing volumes, and preservation status, and assign each volume a stable identifier.
Versions and cutoff points
Compare tables of contents, prefaces, and the last recorded generation to confirm the base edition used for this revision and the continuation point for each branch.
Digitization of the original genealogy
Preserve images of the original pages, volume and page numbering, and original text, without making changes directly on the only original copy.
Connecting old and new generations
Cross-check names, spouses, places of residence, birth order, and dates to confirm the people at the continuation point, and list breakpoints separately.
Branch-by-branch collection
Distribute a unified form by branch, with contacts from each branch adding new members and confirming privacy preferences.
Joint review of differing accounts
Create comparison tables for variant characters, identical names, adoption into or out of the line, migrations, and differing records across versions, with family representatives deciding how they should be compiled.
Continuation notes and book production
State the base edition, scope, rules, and unresolved issues in the editorial notes or continuation notes before proceeding to proofreading and production.
Delivery and acceptance
Deliver not only a book, but clear data and supporting evidence
| Deliverable | Contents | Acceptance Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Catalog of old genealogy editions | Genealogy title, dates, volumes and fascicles, damage or losses, sources, and preservation information | Avoid mixing up different base editions |
| Original page image archive | Scans or photos named by fascicle, volume, and page, with backups | Preserve the original appearance |
| Continuation linkage table | Last-generation individuals in the old genealogy, first-generation individuals added, and supporting evidence | Breakpoints clearly marked |
| New member forms for each branch | Unified fields, sources, and confirming persons | Signed confirmation by branch |
| Records of differing accounts and handling | Version differences, oral discrepancies, and family decisions | Traceable |
| New edition genealogy book and data | Continuation notes, lineage charts, biographical information, appendices, and digital backups | Old text and newly added content can be distinguished |
Verification Principles
An old genealogy is historical material, but that does not mean every entry is error-free. A continuation should preserve the original text and original page locations. Clear errors should be entered into errata or handled according to the editorial rules, so future generations can distinguish between the original record and changes made in this revision.
Preparation before starting
The clearer the preparation, the less rework the project will require
Recommended items to organize first
- A list of all discoverable old genealogy editions and fragmentary volumes
- Compilation years of the old genealogies, chief editors, and photos of prefaces
- Current persons in charge of each branch and their scope of contact
- Intermediate materials from the last generation recorded in the old genealogy to current members
- Whether this revision will correct errors, add biographies, or only continue the lineage
Things to avoid
- Splicing together multiple old genealogies before identifying their editions
- Overwriting the original text of the old genealogy with modern rewrites
- Only adding names without verifying continuation relationships
- Marking a missing branch as having no descendants without authorization
Frequently Asked Questions
Matters to clarify before deciding the project scope
Can an incomplete old genealogy still be continued?
Yes. First establish a catalog of the surviving volumes and fascicles, then supplement clues through duplicate copies of the same edition, branch genealogies, inscriptions, and materials preserved by the family. Parts that cannot be found should be clearly marked as missing volumes, without fabricating content.
Should traditional characters and variant characters be changed?
Images of the original text remain unchanged. Standardized characters and searchable aliases can be added to structured person fields, while the formal genealogy book should follow the editorial rules on whether variant characters are retained.
What if different branches disagree?
Record differing accounts, evidence, and scope of impact in a table of variant accounts. Handle verifiable items based on evidence; for items that cannot yet be verified, record them side by side or mark them as pending further research.
Does a continued genealogy revision have to reprint the entire set?
Not necessarily. Depending on the condition of the existing genealogy, you can choose to add continuation volumes, reorganize and typeset a combined genealogy, or create a digital version first. The plan should take into account the completeness of the edition and the family’s usage habits.
Related entry points
Continue preparing materials or learn about other stages
First describe the current state of the materials, then determine the appropriate approach
For the initial consultation, you do not need to upload the complete genealogy books, identity documents, or private information of living family members. Please describe the scale, existing materials, and desired deliverables.