So, you have your why and how you are starting to organize. We stopped last week just before we got to the Trees or Pedigree Charts so let’s start there.

There are 2 main categories of documenting your family tree, with paper and pencil or digitally. You can break the online option into stand-a-lone trees meaning they are on your computer only or trees that are on a website. I am not going to get into all the details of these as there are other, much more qualified than I am to lay out all the options. Look up Family Tree Magazine that compares the options every year. Check out RootsTech each year put on by Family Search at the beginning of March and you will surely find comparisons. (By the way, RootsTech 2025 starts March 6th and is free for online registration. Check it out. Hundreds of presentations.)

This is what I will say, there are products like Roots Magic and Family Tree Maker and others that allow you to purchase the program and then input your data into it. No one else can see it unless you share it with them and you can create timelines, notes, etc fairly easily. With Ancestry,com you have to subscribe and then you can input your data, others can see it and may or may not be able to use it depending on your level of privacy. Family Search is always free and is really one very large tree for the world. Others can change your tree as it is there’s as well. To me some of the pros and cons are clear, do you mind other’s seeing your work and/or manipulating your tree? 

Many people chose several options, including myself. I use Family Search for searching and finding new information and resources. As I have gotten more experienced I use other people’s work and sources for ideas and then verify them if they seem to fit my family. I use RootsMagic, but not as much as I could to document my notes, details. But really, I am a paper pencil person. I want to see that chart with all the markings and information that I have searched and then put the notes in my binders. This is just my way and remember, “my current level of awareness,” may change my thinking and who knows what my next organizational strategy will be. 

The key to all of this is to know what is possible, know yourself and how you function best, and choose one while being open to new ideas and strategies.

Between now and next time, make some choices and get started. Google Pedigree Charts, Family Group Sheets (You will find some on ancestry.com, family search, NARA, lots of locations for free. Better yet, go into HQRL and see what they have available. The librarians would love to help you get started.

Next time we will look at where to start your research if you have not started already. AND DON"T FORGET TO SIGN-UP FOR CLASSES.

We have some great ones coming up:

• March 20 - Filles Du Roi - King's Daughters - French Canadian Ancestry
• April 3 - Kentucky
• April 17 - Indirect Evidence

AND SO MANY MORE!

Happy Hunting!
Heidi Geise
HQRL Education Coordinator
education@hqrl.com