Starting a Family Tree

People start building a family tree for many reasons. Sometimes it's to help a child who has been given a homework assignment to create a list of their ancestors. Others start down this path to connect with family after the loss of a loved one. And others might do it just out of sudden curiosity. But while there are many reasons to build a tree, most researchers follow a fairly similar process to get the job done. Below are a list of initial steps to take when beginning your family tree. (I'll follow up with the next set of steps in a future article.)

1. Document what you know and have
The best place to begin is with yourself. Using whatever you prefer, a notebook or computer, write down everything you can think of that you would want in your tree. Typically this includes the basics such as birthdays, marriages, deaths, perhaps even divorces for everyone you can think of.

But while these facts are important and build the foundation of your tree, eventually you'll find you want more. So take the time now to also include any family stories or memories that are important to you. Not only will this help archive them for future reference, but they can hold clues to your family that might help you later in your research.

Also look through all the items you have related to your family's past. This might include scrapbooks, photos, jewelry, and other memorabilia. Take photos of the items that can't be scanned and stored on a computer. Make sure to add any stories or memories you have related to those items.

2. Choose a family tree software program
Once you have everything written down, choose a program where you will store this information in a manner that can be used to generate a tree. Then begin your tree by adding the information you collected in step one. 

The most important thing to remember when entering information into your program is to add where that information came from. Not including sources is one of the most common mistakes made by people, myself included, who start building a family tree. While adding sources might seem tedious at times, you will be very relieved you did this when later on facts do not agree or make sense. Having sources also allows you to go back to that resource and see if there was something you missed. And finally, sources give credibility to your tree.

3. Document what others know and have
This step could be done immediately after step one. But I prefer to wait until I have the start of a family tree printed out before talking to relatives or friends. Otherwise, it can be difficult throughout the conversation to remember where exactly certain people fit into the tree. There are several sites that offer interview questions to ask during your visits. Here is a listing of just a few:

Find My Past Questionnaire
Interview Questions Compiled by Tracey Carrington Converse
UCLA Family History Sample Outline and Questions

I also recommend using a video or audio recorder, if possible, to capture any conversations or interviews. Not everyone is comfortable with this so make sure to ask first if your friends or relatives mind being recorded. 

It is important to also bring a camera/smart phone and something you can write or type on. Sometimes people have photos they don't mind sharing, but won't loan to you to be copied. So you can use a camera or smart phone to take a photo of the photo. Make sure to take photos of the people you interview and any memorabilia they share too. 


4. Add additional data to your program
After completing step three, input everything you discovered into your program. You might already find discrepancies between the information you had and what you found from others. Your family tree program will allow you to assign a rating of credibility to each source. So make sure to take advantage of this feature when putting in your sources. For example, your Aunt Rose might remember your grandmother's birthday as April 21, 1921, and the birth certificate your mother had for your grandmother might show it as April 20, 1921. The birth certificate would carry more weight than someone's memory.

When you do find discrepancies, and you most definitely will, it can be helpful to note these. This documents to future generations all the information you found and provides a summary and explanation of why you settled on one fact over another.

5. Select a method of organization
One of the best tips I received early on in my research was from a more experienced genealogist. She told me to buy a set of binders and set one up for each family name. Then she told me to put copies of everything I find in that binder. This started me on the path of organizing my collection. Today I still have the binders, but I also have a duplicate set of my collection on my computer inside of file folders for each family. I figure that way I have a digital and hard copy of everything. While the binders and the computer works for me, others might choose a different method that works best for them. The key here is to find a way to organize what you collect!

6. Join a local genealogy society
Local genealogy and history organizations can provide great information and support for your research. They offer resources that provide historical background for your family's past. And they provide the opportunity to learn from other members who are more than willing to share tips and advice you often can't find elsewhere. Some groups have online tutorials and training or they host talks and training at their meetings. Below is a list of local societies you can join. Most offer memberships for a low fee, and you can easily join and pay online:

Illinois State Genealogical Society
Fox Valley Genealogical Society
Geneva History Center