I've been climbing my family tree for many years, and I have to tell you that it used to be much harder than it is today - - thanks in part to the many free family tree templates available on the Internet. Once you start entering names in each generation you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much easier it is to keep track of everyone.
Since climbing your family tree (called genealogy) is about connecting one generation to the previous generation (i.e. you to your parents, your parents to their parents) it's critical to make sure each person is entered on the correct branch of the tree.
Family Nature
Although you may think keeping track of everyone is easy, consider this: The number of your direct ancestors doubles with each generation (2 parents, 4 grandparents, 8 great-grandparents). And this doesn't even include aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters. By the time you go back 10 generations you have over 1,000 direct ancestors. Keeping all those people straight without having them on a chart or tree template is almost impossible.
There are two basic types of charts that you'll want to download.
The first is a pedigree chart. A pedigree chart tracks your family back generation by generation, starting with you.
The second is a family group sheet. This chart contains information about a single family unit (husband, wife, kids).
The pedigree chart is like a wide-angle lens - it gives you the whole picture; a family group sheet is like a zoom lens because it zooms in on one small bit of the tree.
If you own genealogy software you probably already have access to free family tree templates. But if you don't have software you can easily find templates by using your favorite search engine and looking for search phrases such as "family tree templates", "family tree forms", "pedigree chart", or "family group sheet".
Or, you can download these two forms plus lots more for free over at the website for Family Tree Magazine or Family Tree Templates.
Once you really get into climbing the family tree you'll probably want to download even more templates for things like
a research log (keeps track of websites you searched) a correspondence log (keeps track of who you e-mailed for information) cemetery form (write down tombstone inscriptions) scrapbook forms (to make family tree scrapbook pages) circular, bow tie, and hourglass forms (pedigree charts)
One of the best things about getting started in genealogy is having a high level of excitement and anticipation about who and what you'll find. Use templates to record your finds and you'll be on your way to climbing higher and higher up the family tree.
Where to Find Free Printable Family Tree Templates
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