Organize Your Family Tree
Because family tree research can be such a big undertaking, here are a few tips and tricks to help you get started.
1) Make sure to have all the supplies you need.
Things like pencils, pens, markers, boxes, file folders, sticky dots and box to keep them all in would be good.
2) Fill out family pedigree charts.
Start with yourself and work your way back as far back as you can. The more you fill out now, the less work you have to do later. Pedigree charts can be found on ancestry or genealogical research websites. Remember to keep them in folders, preferably green, and labeled clearly and accurately.
3) Get and print out a Circled Five Generation Pedigree chart.
Also found on genealogy websites. These charts are specifically made to make the initial building of a family tree easier. With you as the fifth generation, your great grandparents are the first generation. The chart is color coded and easy to fill out.
4) Label 16 file folders in your genealogy box.
Easy enough. These folders are for your sixteen great grandparents. More may be needed later, but this will be enough to start.
5) Label the colored folders with family surnames.
Using the surnames of your eight great grandfathers and the maiden names of your eight great grandmothers, label the folders accordingly. Ask family members for help if you do not know all the necessary names.
6) Make 16 copies of a highlighted Five Generation Pedigree chart and put one in each family folder.
Make sure to put you in spot one for each chart. As tiresome as this step is, it will become much easier down the road to reference these charts once more information comes pouring in.
7) Make a file for each family on the Five Generation pedigree chart.
Put a manila folder for each family with a colored tab. Make sure the tab color matches the color of each family group record.
8) Put manila folders in hanging folders
Make sure to match the color of the manila folders with that of the family file folders.
9) Put all those items into each separate family folder.
Place all documents, notes or records you have acquired in the family group record, and then place that in the family folder.
10) Set up other files that could prove useful.
Put together folders for things like newspaper articles, pictures, letters, or anything else that could logically fit in its own category.
11) Use bigger boxes as needed.
Once information starts overflowing a current box, simply move the information to a new one. Having many organized boxes is better than having one disorganized box.
By using these easy tips, your family tree research will go a whole lot smoother.
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