| The most basic of family tree layouts is often | | | | resources and databases will not just allow a |
| one that is depicted by the traditional and simple | | | | genealogy hobbyist the ability to expand their |
| boxes connected by straight lines; while this is | | | | project by adding documents, photographs, and |
| certainly a good introductory example of family | | | | other related data, but it will often also allow for |
| trees, it is certainly not the only way to depict | | | | great exposure to additional examples of family |
| family history. | | | | trees. Most makers of genealogy software will |
| The basic layout, with its simple boxes and lines | | | | make a large amount of data available to users; |
| design might be very restrictive in terms of the | | | | from discussion forums, helpful hints and tips, to |
| amount of data that can be added to it; however | | | | the online viewing of projects completed by other |
| it is an ideal way to introduce children to | | | | genealogy hobbyists. It can be incredibly helpful to |
| genealogy. The simple lines connecting boxes on a | | | | see how other hobbyists display their projects; |
| standard sheet of paper is easy to follow, and | | | | not only will you see how others manage the |
| easy for children to complete by themselves. For | | | | large amounts of data that they manage to |
| a fun project to involve your children in your | | | | gather, but there is often a good chance that |
| genealogy hobby, sit down with them and explain | | | | exposure to projects belonging to others will |
| how a family tree works while allowing them to fill | | | | provide you with clues leading to additional |
| in their family's information in each of the boxes. | | | | material for your own project. |
| This art project, while simple in design, can make | | | | If you are sold on the idea of having a physical |
| an interesting piece to display on a wall and go a | | | | representation of your tree, you could take |
| long way towards instilling a sense of family pride | | | | advantage of the many printing options available |
| in children. | | | | with genealogy software. Most of them will allow |
| A family tree depicted on poster board is | | | | you to choose from a wide array of customizable |
| definitely a good method to visually represent a | | | | themes to ensure that your printed family tree |
| few generations of family history; however, by | | | | meets your exact specifications. |
| making use of one of the available genealogy | | | | A family tree is a representation of you and your |
| software packages, you will find several additional | | | | history. It can, therefore, be anything that you |
| ways to create, maintain, and even display your | | | | envision \ it to be. From the most basic |
| family history. With genealogy software, a | | | | representation comprising of simple blocks to the |
| hobbyist has the ability to venture beyond the | | | | most comprehensive digital representation |
| basic boxes containing names and dates. The | | | | comprising of photographs, documents, and even |
| software will allow for a much more detailed | | | | home videos; your family tree is all about you so |
| project to be built over time. | | | | it should encompass everything that you wish it |
| Using a good, and user friendly, software package | | | | to. Be creative and have fun with it! |
| that allows for access to extensive genealogy | | | | |