How to Record Your Family History
The process of recording a family history can take some time, but the result is a collection of information that can be passed down through future generations. It is easy for dates, events, individuals and stories to be forgotten over the years. Knowing about the family history provides insight into the past and allows an individual to realize his origin. Research is required to compile a family history. Certain steps should be followed to ensure accuracy, but the overall project and presentation of the history can be decided by the individual.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer with Internet connection
- Three ring binder
- Access to town records or historical information
- Copy machine/scanner
- Phone numbers for other family members
- Family ancestry chart
- Family health information
- Photographs
- Newspaper articles
- Birth certificates
- Marriage licenses
Instructions
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Log on to the Internet to begin conducting research regarding the family history. Locate and print off a free ancestry chart online. The Genealogy Search website is an example of a site that provides free forms to assist individuals in organizing family history research and information.
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Begin filling out the family information chart by adding all family members you are aware of including siblings, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Once these immediate individuals and their family members are added, then additional research will be needed. Visit or call family members who can provide additional information.
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Access the Ancestry.com website to begin searching for family members further back in history. The website explains that individuals who use the database have access to more than six billion records. Ancestry offers a 14-day free trial before you must pay a membership fee to continue.
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Complete the various levels of the family history as information is discovered. The Ancestry website also gives individuals access to census and voter lists, birth and death records, marriage licenses, military records, immigration records and newspapers. In addition to finding family members' names and dates, it is advisable to also search for photographs and other mementos that help define and shape the family history.
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Consider also researching the family medical history. The Heartland Family Health History website offers guidance about locating family medical information.
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Use a scanner to make copies of the family history information. By making copies of the materials, multiple books can be formed that provide detailed information into the history of the family. Make multiple copies to preserve and pass down to future generations.
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Tips & Warnings
Leave blank space at the back of the book. Future generations can look at the book and add information.
