How to Write a Biography for a Family Tree
A family tree is a loving legacy for future generations. Adding detailed biographies to the family tree brings it alive and offers insights into our own lives and relationships. The task seems daunting, but deciding early on the purpose and scope of the biographies will help to bring it under control and make it pleasurable.
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Instructions
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Begin by deciding why you are creating this family tree: Will it be used as a reference? Will it be used to help family members relate to each other and to their ancestors? Decide on the scope: How much do you want to tell? You might want to include only the facts, or you might want to add a narrative of interesting stories and anecdotes.
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Begin your research. Decide if you are writing all of the family tree biographies or if you want to create a template and ask other family members to contribute. Create a tree of known family members. See how far back you can go. Use online research tools such as www.genealogy.org to trace family history. Solicit help from family members. Get as many facts as you can about ancestors that are no longer living. Probe for personal traits and stories: What was Grandmother's life like? Add information about the culture that she lived in: Was there a war or famine? How did she cope?
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Organize your data. Decide early on a filing system for your research. Consider creating a website to transcribe and keep notes. This is especially helpful if you are collaborating with other family members. You also can also photographs and artwork to the website. This will facilitate publishing, if that is something you decide to do.
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Establish a schedule and write a draft. You have to make time to write if you want to continue the momentum. Choose a time of day when you will be undisturbed. Your first attempt will not be perfect. The key to this step is to stay with it. Just keep writing. Don't worry about grammar, form or spelling; you can go back later to edit. You also can enlist the help of others once you have the words down.
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Email your family to let them know the finished product is ready. Remember that this is a living document. Accept changes from others, add family members, continue to edit. You have created something unique and valuable.
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