How to Make a Family Pedigree Chart

Don't be intimidated by the task ahead of you; begin with what you know.

A pedigree chart is a way to record your family lines and ancestors. Tracing one's heritage is now a popular hobby, and the way to begin this study into your past is with your full name and birth date. Contact your parents or relatives to find out the full names and dates for your ancestors. There are also many online databases that may contain information about your family.

Things You'll Need

• Genealogy chart
• Names and dates of ancestors

Instructions

1. Find a blank genealogy chart. You can either create one or download and print one for free from the Internet.

2. Start the chart at the bottom or on the side, depending upon the layout, with writing your full name in the space provided. Most forms will provide space for you to include your birth date, date of marriage, and to whom, as well as other information. Be as thorough as possible.

3. Branching off your name, write the names of your parents in the places connected to your box, along with whatever information you know about them.

4. Write the names of your grandparents above your parents' names, again along with all information you know. Work on both paternal and maternal sides of your family tree.

5. Continue in this manner until you run out of information for your family lines.

Tips & Warnings

• Begin your chart with easy information you know. Leave spaces if you are missing information and then ask your relatives for additional names and dates.

• Once you've run out of data, start searching online. There are many name search programs -- many of them free -- that can help you find ancestors as well as missing dates.

• Begin your chart with easy information you know. Leave spaces if you are missing information and then ask your relatives so you won't complicate yourself.

References

• Free Genealogy Forms and Charts
• Supplies, Charts, Forms, etc.
• Welcome to the New FamilySearch