Hello!
Today's post will focus on how you can get started building your own family tree. You don't need to have any experience with genealogy, to put together your family tree. But, if you are an experienced genealogist, you might just find some helpful tips on my blog. 👍
Where to start?
Begin with yourself.
When were you born?
Where were you born?
Who are your parents?
Write it down.
You may want to download and print a blank, free "family tree," which you can fill in with your own family information. This website (Family Tree Templates . Net) has several different styles of blank, free, family trees. Choose one that you like, print it, and then use a pencil to write your name, birth date, place of birth, and your parents' names on it. Start your tree with you as the first person.
For example, if you chose this tree chart (below), you should enter your name in the box at the base of the tree. Then add your father's name in the connected box on the left, just above your name. And then, add your mother's name in the connected box on the right, just above your name.
Don't be concerned about including your spouse and children yet, on your tree. We can do that later.
If you don't see any family tree templates that you like on the link above, then you may want to Google the phrase....
free family tree template
There are hundreds of free family tree templates online to choose from. Select one that you like, print it, and get started building your own family tree.
One caution..... use a pencil, which has a good eraser, to fill in your tree! You will probably make mistakes, or find conflicting information, and then you will need to make changes. Trust me, you will be glad that you used a pencil with a good eraser! LOL!!!
Verify what you say.
The next step is to verify the information you have written down on your tree. Most likely, the information you have, will be birth dates, marriage dates, death dates, and the location, such as where you were born. Those dates and places need to be verified by finding valid, reliable sources which show the accurate dates and places. If you don't have documentation, then your family history will be looked at skeptically, and probably considered to be a fairy tale. LOL! Seriously.... Please show respect for your family, by making sure that the dates and places you have written down are accurate.
In my next post, I will give you some ideas as to where you can find birth, marriage, and death certificates, and other valid sources, so that you can document your family tree.
Until next time..... "Accuracy is fundamental to genealogical research. Without it, a family's history would be fiction." (source: Genealogy Standards: 50th Anniversary Edition, by the Board for Certification of Genealogists.)
Sandy Gilmore
Gilmore Family Genealogist
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