Creating a family tree is a rewarding way to preserve your heritage. Whether you’re starting from scratch or adding DNA data from AncestryDNA, these five tips will help you build a robust tree. Learn how to gather records, use tools like MyHeritage, and avoid pitfalls. Perfect for beginners or seasoned genealogists. Start with our Getting Started with DNA Testing.
Why Build a Family Tree?
A family tree organizes your ancestry, connecting you to past generations and living relatives. My tree on MyHeritage revealed a 1700s Swedish ancestor, confirmed by FamilySearch records. Trees enhance DNA matches, like my 3rd cousin found via AncestryDNA. Learn more in our Family Tree Guide.
Benefits
- Preserve History: Document family stories.
- Enhance DNA: Improve match accuracy.
- Connect Relatives: Find cousins through shared ancestors.
Tip 1: Start with What You Know
Begin with yourself and immediate family:
- Collect Details: Gather names, birthdates, and locations from relatives. I interviewed my aunt for 1800s Irish data.
- Use Software: MyHeritage or FamilySearch offer free tools.
- Organize: Add 3–4 generations for a strong foundation.
Getting Started
- Write down known facts.
- Ask older relatives for stories, like my grandmother’s 1900s migration tale.
Tip 2: Use Online Records
Access records to expand your tree:
- FamilySearch: Free census and birth records.
- Ancestry: Extensive U.S. and European records.
- Local Archives: Check regional databases for unique records.
Record Tips
- Verify details with multiple sources.
- Use our Genealogy Research Guide.
Tip 3: Integrate DNA Results
Link DNA to your tree:
- Upload Data: Add AncestryDNA results to your tree.
- Analyze Matches: Use GEDmatch for cross-platform matches, like my 4th cousin.
- Confirm: Cross-check with FamilySearch.
DNA Tools
- AncestryDNA’s ThruLines.
- MyHeritage’s Smart Matches.
Tip 4: Connect with Relatives
Reach out to DNA matches or family:
- Message Matches: I contacted a 200 cM match, uncovering a 1880s photo.
- Family Stories: Ask relatives for heirlooms or diaries.
- Forums: Join Reddit r/Genealogy.
Contact Tips
- Be polite and specific in messages.
- Share your story on our About Page.
Tip 5: Avoid Common Pitfalls
- Incomplete Trees: Add enough generations for matches.
- Unverified Data: Always check records.
- Ignoring Matches: Distant cousins can yield breakthroughs.
Success Stories
- Case 1: Sarah’s MyHeritage tree found a Scottish cousin.
- Case 2: Tom’s AncestryDNA tree linked to a 1800s German ancestor.
- Case 3: Maria’s tree on FamilySearch uncovered a French line.
Next Steps
- Update your tree regularly.
- Explore our Blog for more tips.