
Building a family tree is one of the most rewarding aspects of genealogy. It’s like solving a mystery—each name and date brings you closer to discovering the people who shaped your history. But with all the tools and resources available, where do you even begin? And how can you be sure you’re building a tree that is both accurate and meaningful?
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Start with What You Know
Before diving into online databases and archives, the best place to start your family tree is with yourself. Begin by writing down the basic information you already know: your parents, grandparents, siblings, and other close relatives. Include details such as full names, birth dates, marriage dates, and locations if you know them.
Gather Family Documents
Chances are, your family already has valuable genealogical records hidden in plain sight. Birth certificates, marriage licenses, family Bibles, and old photographs can provide essential information for building the early branches of your tree. These documents often contain names, dates, and places that will give you a solid foundation to build on.
- Look for old letters, school records, or yearbooks.
- Check attics, basements, and old storage boxes for forgotten family keepsakes.
- Talk to older relatives who may have knowledge of family history that hasn’t been written down yet.
Once you’ve gathered this information, it’s time to move on to filling in the gaps.
Choose the Right Genealogy Platform
When it comes to building a family tree, you’ll need the right platform to organize your research. Luckily, there are several platforms out there that make it easy to store and expand your family tree, while also connecting you to millions of historical records and even distant relatives. Here are some of the best options.
Ancestry.com
Ancestry.com is one of the most popular genealogy platforms and for good reason. With billions of records, a simple interface, and the ability to connect with DNA matches, Ancestry is a great choice for both beginners and experienced genealogists.
One of Ancestry’s strengths is its user-generated family trees, which can provide valuable clues for your own research. However, it’s essential to verify information from other family trees before adding it to your own, as not all trees are 100% accurate.
- Pros: Extensive record collection, DNA testing integration, easy-to-use tree-building tools.
- Cons: Requires a subscription for full access to records.
FamilySearch.org
FamilySearch.org is a free platform offered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It’s a fantastic resource for those just starting out, with millions of digitized records available at no cost. FamilySearch also allows you to build a collaborative family tree, which means that other users can add information to your tree if it overlaps with theirs.
While FamilySearch is free, some users prefer having more control over their trees and may find the collaborative model a bit limiting. However, for accessing global records, it’s one of the best options available.
- Pros: Free, massive record collection, global focus.
- Cons: Collaborative trees can be edited by others, which some users may not prefer.
MyHeritage
MyHeritage is another popular genealogy platform, particularly well-known for its global reach. It offers robust family tree-building tools, DNA testing, and an impressive collection of historical records, including newspapers, military records, and census data. MyHeritage also has a strong emphasis on European records, making it a top choice for those with European ancestry.
- Pros: Strong international focus, advanced photo-editing tools for restoring old family photos.
- Cons: Subscription required for full access to records and features.
Document Your Sources
As you begin adding names, dates, and locations to your family tree, it’s important to document where you got each piece of information. In genealogy, accuracy is everything, and documenting your sources ensures that your tree is reliable and that future generations can trace your research back to its origins.
Keep Track of Record Types
Genealogical records come in many forms, from birth and marriage certificates to census data and land deeds. Each type of record provides different information, so it’s helpful to note what kind of document your facts come from. Was the birthdate you added based on a family Bible, a birth certificate, or a census record? Knowing the source can help you assess the accuracy of the information.
- Primary sources: These are the most reliable, as they were created at the time of the event (e.g., birth certificates, marriage records).
- Secondary sources: These are still valuable but were created after the event, often based on memory (e.g., obituaries, family stories).
Avoid “Name-Collecting”
It’s tempting to fill out your tree as quickly as possible, but resist the urge to add information without verifying it. Genealogy is about quality, not quantity, and a well-sourced tree is far more valuable than one filled with guesswork. If you find a family tree online that contains your ancestors, double-check the details with original records before adding them to your tree.
Use DNA Testing to Expand Your Tree
DNA testing has become a powerful tool for genealogists, providing insights into your ethnic background and connecting you with living relatives. While DNA testing won’t fill in all the names on your tree, it can help confirm family lines and introduce you to cousins who may have more information or even old family photos you’ve never seen.
How DNA Matches Can Help
When you take a DNA test through companies like AncestryDNA or MyHeritage, you’ll receive a list of DNA matches—people who share some of your genetic material. These matches can range from close relatives (like cousins) to more distant connections. DNA matches are a great way to break through brick walls in your research, especially if you’ve hit a dead end with paper records.
By contacting your DNA matches, you may discover new branches of your family tree or confirm relationships that were previously unclear. Keep in mind that not all matches will respond, but those who do can be invaluable in piecing together your ancestry.
Visualize Your Family Tree with Tools and Charts
Once you’ve gathered a solid amount of information, it’s time to visualize your family tree. Seeing the relationships and connections laid out in a chart can help you spot patterns, identify missing information, and share your discoveries with others.
Pedigree Charts vs. Fan Charts
There are several ways to visualize a family tree, but two of the most common formats are pedigree charts and fan charts:
- Pedigree chart: A traditional, linear chart that shows your direct ancestors, usually starting with you and moving backward through generations.
- Fan chart: A circular chart that fans out from the center (you) to show multiple generations at once. It’s a great way to see the big picture of your ancestry.
Using Visualization Tools
Most genealogy platforms offer built-in visualization tools that allow you to create pedigree or fan charts from the information in your tree. Some even let you customize the charts by adding photos, colors, and details to make them more personal and shareable with family members.
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can also print out your charts and fill them in manually—just make sure to use pencil, because as any genealogist knows, new information can always emerge!
Best Practices for Preserving Your Research
Genealogical research is an ongoing process, and it’s important to preserve your work for future generations. Whether you’re passing down your family tree to children, grandchildren, or future researchers, there are a few best practices to keep in mind for preserving your hard-earned discoveries.
Back Up Your Work
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket—especially when it comes to genealogy research. While online platforms are convenient, technology can fail, and websites can go down. Make sure to regularly back up your family tree to an external hard drive or cloud storage service. Some genealogy software even allows you to export your tree as a GEDCOM file, a universal format for family tree data that can be used on different platforms.
Your family tree is a gift to future generations, so don’t keep it to yourself! Share copies of your research with family members, whether digitally or in print. Many genealogy platforms allow you to invite family members to view or contribute to your tree, making it a collaborative effort that everyone can enjoy.
Building a family tree isn’t just about documenting your past—it’s about creating a legacy that your family can cherish for years to come.










