BASIC FORMS FOR ORGANIZING YOUR RESEARCH

Pedigree Charts

A Pedigree Chart maps out a Family Tree from a living person to his or her ancestors. We start with one person, the root of an Ancestral Tree.   We need to draw up an accurate map which will link the person selected directly to the correct ancestors.. Even if you are fairly sure you know who the early ancestors are, much can be learned about the family if you proceed backwards in time one generation at a time.

To accomplish this, we use what is known as a Pedigree Chart. This sounds like animal breeding, but that is the term used. The first generation has one person, and the chart branches out, doubling at every generation. All of the same generation is in the same column to make it easier. Only biological ancestors are recorded.

Use a pencil when filling out Pedigree Charts, as information known may change as one gets closer to primary sources. Document every detail. Copies of this form are available from most genealogy libraries and publishers of genealogical material. Some computer programs include Pedigree Chart blanks that can be printed. Pedigree Charts and other genealogy forms can be printed out from .pdf files online at:

http://www.uftree.com/images/5pageAncestrycom.pdf
Ultimate Family Tree's Ancestry.com PDF Genealogy Forms

You will need Acrobat Reader, a free program, to read these files.

One can also type their own version of the form, adding any blanks necessary for collect data wanted, maybe the families' addresses or occupations. Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word are good programs to use for making your own forms. Then as many copies as necessary can be printed out.