Genealogy 101

Lesson 4: Your Family Tree

Making a family tree is a very useful project. The family tree shows how your family line progresses. This lesson will show you how to make your own family tree.

Your Family Tree

A family tree is very important in your genealogical search. This form will help you see at a glance most of the information you have been taking time to compile. The family tree is a form that shows direct descent from a specific ancestor. Some charts will be in an hourglass shape; some will branch off from a beginning line. Any chart you use will be helpful.

Different types of charts:

There are many different charts to use when making your family tree. Listed are some of the most common and a brief description of each.

1. Ancestor chart: This chart records your ancestors and their direct descent. This chart looks similar to a league winners chart and is commonly used. For a printable ancestor chart, visit: Ancestry.com
2. Family Tree: This is called a tree because it looks similar to a tree, with branches stemming from a base. For a child’s version of a family tree, visit: The Tigger Movie Family Tree
An adult version of a family tree can be found at: Ancestry.com-Free Family Tree Genealogy Software

Genealogy charts make the process of tracing your family history much easier. Charts keep your work neat and organized. Here are some steps for creating your family chart:


1. Gather together all your 3X5 cards
2. Transfer the information from your 3X5 cards to your family tree. Start with your name and information.
3. Add your spouse’s name
4. Add your spouse’s information
5. Work in a line across, adding family members in order. Your 3X5 cards will come in handy for this task.

No matter which chart you use, I hope you will use a computer and preferably computer software designed for genealogical use. There are many different computer programs available for genealogy and it’s much easier using them than you might think. In the recommend resources there is a list of genealogy software as well as helpful books. You will also find more information in the links section as well.

1