How to Figure Out a Family Tree
It's important for many people to know their family history. They want to know where their family originated, where they've traveled and if there are any relations with famous historic figures. People also want to have an idea of where roots have been planted. Figuring out a family tree is an adventure, and there are many resources available to help you build its branches and leaves. Start at home with your own family.
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Instructions
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Record the information you already know about your family. Then write down information about your siblings and their families, your parents and whatever you know about your grandparents and great-grandparents.
Write down full names (including maiden names), dates and places of birth, dates and places of death, dates of baptism (if applicable), dates of marriage and spouse's name. Include any information you have about birth and death certificates, children, military records, and census and land records. Other information you might want to include are the date a person arrived in the U.S. (if they were an immigrant), adoption information and activities in which your family participated.
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Interview family members. Research those you do not know by asking your family elders. Many times family elders will have photos saved and records kept about their relatives. Some even have a family tree they put together or had handed down to them. After learning more information, share it with other members of the family to see if it helps them remember other facts.
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Find existing research on ancestors online. Many times, by just knowing the name of a person and their date of birth (and/or death), you can find information online about them. Use a search engine or a genealogy-search website to find on the Internet information others have recorded about individuals.
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Search genealogy records offline. Places to look include databases available to library patrons, Family History Centers, historical societies and state archives.
There are some instances where you'll have to write a letter to societies, institutions and/or family members to obtain information. When writing a letter to request genealogical information, keep it short and to the point. Let the person you are writing to know what information is being sought, and include the names of individuals and their vital records (date of birth and/or death).
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References
- Photo Credit family tree image by Judy Ben Joud from Fotolia.com
