It is well known that many researchers have spent years trying to find the lineage of a known Carter ancestor, often to no avail. Others who may have several generations proved prior to 1776 are unable to conclusively determine their immigrant ancestor. Fragmentary Carter lineages in Colonial Virginia abound and the goal to extend these known ancestral lines through cooperative and interactive research is essential. This chapter was established with these Carter descendants particularly in mind, and has the potential for becoming the most active chapter in the Society.

Through education in controlled, cooperative research techniques and the potential to reach their personal genealogical goals while benefiting fellow Carter researchers, chapter members have the rare opportunity to combine research results to establish the central database for a future Carter Research Center, a long-range planning goal of the Carter Society.