A family tree connects you to a larger story — one that began long before you were born and will continue long after you're gone. Building and sharing one is a legacy project that benefits every generation: it gives your children context for who they are, and it preserves knowledge about relatives who may otherwise be forgotten.
Where to Start
Begin with what you know. Write down:
- Your full name and birth date
- Your parents' full names, birth dates, birth places, and death dates (if applicable)
- Your grandparents, if known
- Siblings and their children
- Your own children and grandchildren
Then start interviewing living relatives. Call your aunts, uncles, and older cousins. Ask about full names, places of origin, immigration stories, and family lore. Record these conversations — don't rely on notes alone. Our guide on recording oral histories covers how to do this effectively.
Research Tools and Resources
Online Genealogy Platforms
- Ancestry.com: The largest genealogy database, with billions of records, historical documents, and DNA matching. Subscription-based.
- FamilySearch.org: Free access to a massive collection of genealogical records, operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. No subscription required.
- MyHeritage: Good for international records; also offers DNA testing and photo enhancement tools.
- Findmypast: Particularly strong for UK, Irish, and Commonwealth records.
Record Types to Search
- Census records (U.S. Census records from 1790–1940 are publicly available)
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates
- Immigration and naturalization records (Ellis Island records are free at libertyellisfoundation.org)
- Military records (available through the National Archives)
- Church records, obituaries, and newspaper archives
DNA Testing
DNA testing services like AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and MyHeritage DNA can uncover unknown relatives, confirm family connections, and reveal geographic origins. DNA results are particularly useful for breaking through "brick walls" where records are unavailable.
Organizing and Presenting Your Family Tree
Genealogy Software
- MacFamilyTree / Family Tree Maker: Desktop software for building and visualizing your tree
- Gramps: Free, open-source genealogy software
- RootsMagic: Widely used, syncs with FamilySearch
Online Family Tree Builders
Platforms like Ancestry.com and FamilySearch allow you to build your tree online and invite relatives to contribute and view it. This is ideal for collaborative family history building.
Preserving and Sharing Your Research
Once you've built a meaningful tree, export it in GEDCOM format (the standard genealogical data format) so it can be imported into any genealogy software. Share it with family members. Print a visual chart for a family gathering. Create a written family history narrative that brings the names and dates to life.
Pair your family tree with organized family photos for the richest possible archive. And for the full picture of legacy preservation, see our complete guide to preserving your life stories and memories.