Building a family tree connects the present to the past. This process transforms scattered family memories and historical documents into a structured, verifiable record of ancestry. It requires patience and a methodical approach to uncover the identities and life stories of previous generations. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step framework for beginners navigating genealogical discovery.
Starting at the Roots: Gathering Oral History and Home Records
Start with yourself, establishing a foundation of known facts before venturing into external records. The process moves backward to parents, then grandparents. This foundational information should include full names, especially maiden names for women, along with specific dates and locations for birth, marriage, and death events.
Collecting “home sources” provides the first layer of documentation. These personal archives include official documents like birth, marriage, and death certificates, naturalization papers, and military discharge records. Informal items include old letters, diaries, newspaper clippings, and family Bibles, which frequently contain handwritten records of births and deaths. Scrapbooks and photo albums can also offer clues, particularly when they include labeled images or funeral home cards that confirm relationships and dates.
Interviewing living relatives, particularly older generations, captures invaluable oral history. These conversations can yield names, dates, and specific locations that unlock entire branches of the family tree. Relatives often share anecdotes and context that help distinguish between individuals with the same name or explain family migration patterns. It is helpful to record these interviews and cross-reference the spoken details with any existing documents to ensure accuracy.
Choosing Your Platform: Paper, Software, or Online Tree
Once the initial family data is collected, select a system for organization and expansion. Using paper templates, such as printable pedigree charts and family group sheets, offers a straightforward, offline method for recording basic facts. This method provides a tangible overview of the family structure and is useful for those who prefer to keep their research entirely private.
Dedicated desktop genealogy software offers greater control over data and detailed reporting capabilities. Programs like Family Tree Maker or RootsMagic allow users to store their entire tree and all associated documents directly on their personal computer. Many of these software options also feature synchronization capabilities, allowing the user to link their local file with major online platforms for a hybrid approach.
Online family tree platforms, such as Ancestry or FamilySearch, are popular due to their collaborative features and integrated record searching. These cloud-based systems allow users to access their tree and benefit from automatic “hints” that suggest potential records or connections from other users’ trees. While these platforms facilitate collaboration and access to billions of records, users should be mindful of privacy settings and the terms of service regarding data ownership.
The Deep Dive: Finding and Using Historical Records
Accessing external historical records provides the evidence needed for extending ancestral lines. Vital records, which document birth, marriage, and death (BMDs), are considered some of the strongest sources of evidence. A death certificate, for example, often provides the deceased’s date and place of birth, their spouse’s name, and the names and birthplaces of both parents, effectively linking two generations. Birth records are similarly informative, typically listing the child’s name, the parents’ names, and their residence at the time of the event.
Census records provide a snapshot of a family unit at a specific point in time, typically every ten years in the United States. The U.S. Federal Census, available to the public 72 years after it was taken, can place a family in a precise location and reveal details like names, ages, occupations, and the birthplaces of parents. Researchers often find it helpful to work backward from the most recent available census to systematically trace a family’s movement and growth across decades.
To overcome research obstacles, genealogists must explore a variety of specialized documents beyond the standard vital and census records.
- Land records, including deeds and mortgages, often state direct relationships between family members, such as a parent selling land to a child.
- Military service records can contain physical descriptions and enlistment details.
- Passenger lists document an ancestor’s arrival date and country of origin.
When searching these databases, it is helpful to use variations of names and search by location, as transcription errors and inconsistent spelling are common in historical documents.
Ensuring Accuracy: Verification and Documentation
Every piece of information added to the tree, whether a birth date or a relationship, must be supported by a source citation that details where and when the record was found. Source citation allows others to replicate the research and evaluate the evidence.
Verification involves cross-checking information found in one source against details found in another, independent source to confirm a fact. For instance, a birth year listed on a census record should be compared with the birth year listed on a death certificate or a marriage license. When conflicting information arises, the Genealogical Proof Standard requires the researcher to analyze and correlate all evidence to resolve the discrepancy. This process involves weighing the reliability of each source.