10 Tips for Using Your Printable Family Tree for Genealogy Research

Genealogy research is a journey into the past that connects you to your ancestors and reveals the stories of your family. As a tool, a printable family tree is a great starting point for organizing your findings and establishing a visual representation of your lineage. However, it is more than just a chart -- it can be a powerful tool that helps you delve deeper into your ancestry. Whether you're new to genealogy or an experienced researcher, here are ten valuable tips for making the most of your printable family tree.

Start with What You Know: Begin with Yourself

The key to successful genealogy research is building on what you already know. Before delving into historical records or family lore, start by filling in the known information on your printable family tree. This includes:

• Your own details: Full name, birth date, and place of birth.
• Your parents and siblings: Include their names, birth dates, and places of birth.
• Your children: If applicable, list the names and birth dates of your children.

Once you've completed your direct line, work backwards and focus on one generation at a time. This method ensures you're not overwhelmed by the vast number of relatives in your family tree.

Tip:

Be sure to confirm names, dates, and places of birth, as this is the foundation of your genealogy research. Mistakes here can lead to confusion down the line.

Use Census Records to Fill In the Gaps

Census records are invaluable tools for expanding your family tree. These records, which are conducted every ten years in many countries, provide detailed information about household members, their ages, occupations, places of birth, and more. Using census records, you can fill in the gaps about ancestors in each generation.

• United States Census: Available from 1790 to the present, although certain records (e.g., the 1890 census) were lost in a fire.
• UK Census: Available every ten years from 1841 to the present.
• Other countries: Many countries have their own censuses, and they can be extremely helpful for tracing family members across different generations.

Tip:

Use online databases like Ancestry.com or FamilySearch to access these records. Many websites offer search tools that allow you to filter by names, birthplaces, and other criteria to find specific family members.

Cross-Reference Family Trees with Historical Documents

Your printable family tree may also serve as a roadmap for further research. As you move through each branch, you can look for historical documents that confirm or expand upon your family's history. These include:

• Birth, marriage, and death certificates: These documents are typically available from local government offices or historical societies.
• Immigration records: If your ancestors immigrated from another country, ship manifests, naturalization records, and passport applications can provide rich details about their journey.
• Military records: Enlistment papers, draft cards, and pension applications can provide insights into your ancestors' service and personal lives.

Tip:

When using historical documents, look for signatures, addresses, and other unique markers that may reveal more about the lives of your ancestors.

Check for Family Bibles and Heirlooms

Family Bibles and heirlooms can be excellent sources for verifying dates and relationships. These often contain handwritten records of births, deaths, and marriages passed down from generation to generation. In some families, Bibles served as important record-keeping tools, and you may find that your family members meticulously documented important life events.

Even old family photos and letters may contain vital clues. If your family possesses a Bible or any heirloom items, take the time to inspect them carefully.

Tip:

If your family Bible or heirloom has not been preserved in the best condition, consider having it professionally restored to prevent further deterioration.

Reach Out to Relatives for Oral Histories

One of the most personal and valuable ways to enrich your family tree is through oral histories. Interviews with living relatives can provide anecdotes, stories, and personal details that may not be available in written records. Relatives can share memories of family members, cultural traditions, and even their perspectives on historical events.

• Start with older relatives: Grandparents, great-grandparents, or distant cousins may have the most knowledge about past generations.
• Record the interviews: Use a recorder or video camera to capture the interview for future reference.

Tip:

Make sure to document details like the person's full name, the date of the interview, and where the interview took place. This contextual information will be helpful later when you revisit the material.

Use DNA Testing to Uncover New Branches

Genetic testing has revolutionized genealogical research, offering a new dimension for building your family tree. Companies like AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and MyHeritage offer DNA tests that can help identify relatives, trace ethnic origins, and even suggest new branches for your family tree.

• Find living relatives: DNA tests can match you with distant relatives who may be working on their own family trees.
• Ethnic origins: DNA testing can reveal the geographical regions where your ancestors lived, helping you to target specific areas in your research.

Tip:

DNA tests can sometimes lead to unexpected or surprising results. Be prepared for the possibility of uncovering previously unknown family connections or discovering that some of the information you thought was true may need to be revised.

Organize Your Findings Using Digital Tools

In addition to your printable family tree, consider organizing your research using digital tools. Programs like Family Tree Maker, RootsMagic, and Gramps offer powerful features to help you track your family's genealogy. They allow you to store records, attach documents, and even share your family tree with other researchers.

Digital tools make it easier to visualize complex family connections, especially if you discover that distant cousins have been researching similar branches. Many tools also offer cloud storage options, which can keep your family tree safe and accessible from any device.

Tip:

Choose software that integrates with online genealogy databases to make searching for records faster and more efficient. Some programs also allow you to print your digital family tree if you prefer to have a physical copy.

Look for Clues in Old Newspapers and Obituaries

Newspapers can be a treasure trove of information about your ancestors. Articles, obituaries, birth announcements, and marriage notices may provide important details that help flesh out your family tree. Local libraries and historical societies often have newspaper archives that can be accessed online or in person.

• Obituaries: These can provide names of surviving family members, dates of birth and death, and other useful genealogical information.
• Local news stories: Sometimes, people make it into the local papers for accomplishments, accidents, or special events.

Tip:

To find specific articles, try searching through online newspaper databases or websites like Chronicling America (for U.S. records) or newspaper archives from other countries.

Verify Information from Multiple Sources

As you gather data, it's essential to verify the information you find. Genealogy research often involves piecing together details from various sources, and mistakes or inconsistencies can creep in. To ensure the accuracy of your family tree:

• Cross-check names, dates, and places between multiple records.
• Consult different types of records, such as censuses, vital records, and family accounts.
• If possible, visit archives or historical societies to access original documents.

Tip:

Always be cautious when using online family trees as sources, as they can sometimes contain errors. Ensure that you confirm any information found in other family trees through primary records or reliable secondary sources.

Preserve Your Family Tree for Future Generations

As you complete your family tree, take steps to preserve your research for future generations. This could include:

• Creating a family history book: Consider compiling your research into a professionally bound book, complete with photos, stories, and historical context.
• Digitizing your family tree: Scan or photograph your handwritten family tree and upload it to a cloud service for easy sharing and long-term storage.
• Sharing with family members: Share your findings with relatives so that they can contribute their knowledge and stories.

Tip:

Consider joining online genealogy communities to share your findings. Many online groups and forums exist where people can exchange research tips, information, and even photos, helping each other on their genealogical journeys.

Conclusion

Genealogy research is an exciting journey into your past, and your printable family tree is one of the most valuable tools in this process. By starting with what you know, consulting historical records, and using DNA testing, you can expand your family tree and uncover fascinating stories about your ancestors. With these ten tips, you'll be well-equipped to make the most of your family tree and discover the rich history that connects you to generations long gone. The knowledge you gain through this process will not only enrich your understanding of your lineage but also preserve your family's legacy for generations to come.

View Product