| Whether you create it for display or simply for | | | | want to create one from scratch, or take |
| your own reference during research, a family | | | | advantage of one of the many templates |
| history chart is a vital part of any genealogist's | | | | available on the internet. |
| project; creating a chart will organize your family | | | | Should you make the decision to use a template, |
| tree into an easy to read format. Consisting of a | | | | you need only fill in the blank spaces; there are |
| series of interconnected boxes filled with basic | | | | several software programs to help ensure that |
| information about each member you have | | | | your family history chart is as complete and well |
| researched in your family. Creating one of your | | | | presented as possible. The built-in wizards that the |
| own is an easy and fun part of your project; if | | | | programs offer will walk you through every step |
| your goal is to involve your family in the project, | | | | in the process. |
| consider recruiting your children to help out with | | | | If your preference is to create your own chart |
| the more artsy side of creating the chart! | | | | without the aid of software, you will need large |
| Most people would associate the word "pedigree" | | | | surface on which to create it, whether that be |
| with the lineage of animals; however, your | | | | paper or poster board, along with pencils (colored |
| pedigree is simply the lineage from which you are | | | | pencils too if you wish to get a bit more creative) |
| directly descended. A chart that details your | | | | and a ruler to help you nearly measure and |
| pedigree will start with you and trace your | | | | create your straight lines. You can start your |
| ancestors back from your parents to the earliest | | | | chart at the top, the bottom, or the left side of |
| relatives that you are able to research. With the | | | | the page; it depends purely on your personal |
| pedigree tracing only direct descent, it is the most | | | | preference. You, and your details, will always be |
| simple of charts to create. | | | | the starting point of your family history chart. Be |
| The pedigree chart is often referred to as a | | | | sure to work, initially, in pencil so that you can |
| family tree, so named because of the shape | | | | easily erase and redo data as you learn new |
| formed by the addition of relatives; your details | | | | details. If you already know that you are going to |
| would represent the trunk of the tree, with the | | | | create a chart depicting ten generations, then you |
| name of your ancestors branching out to form a | | | | can carefully measure and space your boxes so |
| shape resembling a tree. Although there are | | | | that your chart maintains a consistent look to it. |
| several additional shapes and types of charts used | | | | A simple family history chart can be made into a |
| for tracking genealogy, the family tree is most | | | | work of art with by incorporating calligraphy or |
| commonly used because of the ease of creation. | | | | other artistic touches; it is entirely up to you. |
| Before you get started on creating your family | | | | After all, it's your pedigree! |
| history chart, you should decide whether you | | | | |