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A Family tree is a simple way to find your ancestors in a logical way. The tree literally is a tree that starts with roots and grows branches and eventually the foliage of leaves. While there are quite a few online tools that will allow you to create a family tree, creating one by hand is by far the most fun and satisfying method. Here are simple tips on how to do your own family tree.

To start with either download and print one of our family trees under the research tools section of our site. You may find starting with the Five Generation Pedigree chart a good place to start. Now either fill out the sheet or follow our next steps

Drawing your own family tree guide

1. If you decide to draw it on your own sheet of paper then draw two parallel lines branching out from yours; label these with the names of your parents. Add your siblings, below or beside your own name, illustrating that your parents are also the parents of your brothers and sisters.
2. Continue adding branches to your tree by drawing parallel lines for each set of parents and adding their parents' names. Keep going until you can't go back any further. Remember to add siblings along the way in the same manner as you added your own.
3. Add details such as dates of births and deaths for each name on your tree. This adds a sense of real history to your family tree, and allows you to get a feel for just how far back your tree will go.
4. If you need more inspiration, you may need to interview living relatives. Start by asking your parents, grandparents, and older family members what names they can remember. It's most important to know surnames and maiden names and the area they lived, as this is essential for online searches and finding them on census records.
5. Subscribe to an on-line database (see our free trials section) Try birth and death registries, searchable databases, local newspapers, and clippings.
6. If you are still stuck read out suggestions on using a professional researcher. Many of these services charge a fee for their assistance, so read this guide first to find out which one will best suit your requirements.
7. Once you have your tree sketched out as far back as you want to go, you can draw it out on good quality paper and frame it to display as a proud reminder of your family history. You now have your first family tree!

Making a family tree is becoming one of the fastest growing hobbies in the last few years and especially since the growth of the internet. It a very exciting way to find out more about your ancestry and family history.