When you hear an unsubstantiated family story, write it down, but be sure to note it as a tradition or legend rather than as fact.
Explore the elements of a family tree to learn more about what it takes to create your own. You can also check out the trees other people are building and get a glimpse of celebrity family trees.
Start a family history project by writing a list of all the people you know in your family. Write names, birth dates, marriage and death dates and more if you have it.
The information you start to record will eventually take the shape of a family tree — an ever-growing link to your ancestors.
When you talk to your family members, try recording them. Audio clips add authenticity and interest to your family tree.
Collect old photos of family members, scan them and upload them to your family tree. Soon you’ll have a virtual photo album that time can’t erase.
Write down the stories you remember or hear from other relatives. Associate each story with specific family members in your tree.
Now that you know all the elements that make up a family tree, it’s time to get started building a tree of your own.
Are you related to someone famous? Explore Family Trees of famous individuals and find out if you have any famous distant relatives in your lineage.
Take a peek into the life and lineage of other people who are building a family tree on Ancestry.com. You may uncover a distant relative!
Keep a record of your census data, research contacts and more. Download our free forms to organize the information you uncover as you build your family tree.
