Making a Family Tree

(Click for an introduction)

(In this article, Mr. Chandler tells us what we need to do after we’ve downloaded our blank family tree form to print. He walks us through the idea of “audit trails” which will help you move from step to step.)

The Family Tree

By: David Chandler

There are numerous genealogy sites out there that feature an assortment of articles on documentation of records for doing your genealogy search. We will look at how genealogy sites and the tools they offer will assist you to carry on a search.

Genealogy sites have plenty of tools that you use to keep records of your searches, but keeping records is not enough. You must know where to search next once you have found that piece of information that you are looking for. Genealogists usually draw conclusions from their records, to continue to dig deeper into the roots of their ancestry, which is often referred to as and audit trail.

An ‘audit trail’ requires that the thought process and analysis be included by documenting sources. Genealogy sites generally offer some software that is capable of analyzing the data and there are services from expert genealogists.

The fees from experts vary from site to site, but they are not always needed unless you get stuck and cannot find the additional information that you are looking for in your search or if you cannot go any further on your own. There are many purposes for an audit trail but one of the main reasons is for subsequent searches to obtain the records that were used and see how the initial researcher came to their conclusions. Keeping records is very important, along with maintaining them in a secure and good condition.

Suggestions for making an audit trail:

• When you make an assumption, clearly state why you came to the conclusion and any other information that could be useful. This can be the on the front page of your record and can be edited at anytime, remember that new information changes the search direction.
• By learning any historical background of the time period and region, will allow you to have a better of idea of what direction may be the next direction to head in. Most genealogy sites offer this information to you for this purpose.
• Learn as much information as you can about your ancestors, such as how they lived, their culture and any other relevant information that will help guide you in your search.
• Cite your sources, as this can lead you back to the information you need, or may add additional information for future searches that are completed.
• Writing notes in detail will make it easier for people who carry on your work in the future. This will allow them to see your thought process.

Make sure that you information is as accurate as possible, do not jump to conclusions. You can make the search nearly effortless, by leaving and audit trail which allows you or others to carry on the search easily.

(This article was written by David Chandler. Please visit some other articles written by Mr. Chandler by clicking on the link which is the author’s name.)

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Visitors to Genealogy Beginner are often looking for family tree templates they can use to get a better understanding of what their family tree should look like.  Another great place to look is Google images.  Google has an archive of hundreds of thousands of images of family trees.

The list of websites below each have a link that will direct you to a web page where you can download free blank family trees.  We’ve avoided any sites that require registration and reviewed everything to make sure there were no strings attached.

Please feel free to bookmark this page.  As we come across new sites like these, I’ll be sure to add them to the list.  The bold links will bring you right to their site and and the bulleted links can be used to download the charts directly.

Family Tree Resources

• Family Tree Chart
• Research Calendar
• Family Tree Research Extract
  

Misbach Enterprises

• Family Tree Chart
• Kids Family Tree Chart
• Pedigree Chart
• Fan Chart
• Bowtie chart

Microsoft Templates

• Family Tree Chart (Requires MS Excel)

I hope you find these links helpful.  Let me close by recommending a great article by Rachna Gupta about family tree charts and templates.  She has some fantastic recommendations and does a wonderful job talking about how you can create your own, unique family tree design.

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If you want to create a family tree, you can find hundreds of blank forms online. Once you have performed the necessary research, these forms are ideal for presenting your genealogy data in an easy-to-read format. Before you can fill in the branches of your family tree, you need to find a reliable resource for locating the names of your ancestors.

Creating your family tree begins with selecting a few family members to trace through the years. This research blossoms as you gain information through public records, online resources, and data gathered from family members. You can improve your research efforts by learning some of the research methods used by the professionals.

One of the best resources for learning the tricks of the trade is The Basic Beginner’s Genealogy Guide from Genealogy Beginner. If you choose to download the guide (free), you’ll receive valuable advice on getting your paperwork in order, family interviews, initial database searches, government sources, and how to learn from the work of others. Each of the 5 chapters covers a different aspect of researching your family history.

Taking the time to learn how to perform efficient genealogy research saves you a great deal of time in the long run. In addition, taking advantage of The Basic Beginner’s Genealogy Guide helps to ensure you gather accurate information from the most reliable resources. Once you perform your research, you can find software that offers templates for creating family trees. You can also find several websites that offer interactive forms that you can post online for people all over the world to view.

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