Heritage Album

How do you make a family tree?

I would like to make a family tree of my family i don't want to pay to get the information.

Public Comments

1. There are many resources out there. But if you want something quick and easy...just go onto ancestry.com and put in your information on there.
2. You research it,one generation at a time, verifying as you go. The resolved questions are full of links and tips, because people ask that same question here 6 - 18 times a day. If you didn't look there first, chances are you don't have the patience or skills to do it. Not everyone does. There are lots of other hobbies. Pick one.
3. Start you tree online at: http://www.geni.com/
4. Try www.rootsweb.com they have a wealth of information for free. They also have downloadable free software that you can use to complete your own family tree. Good Luck
5. Contrary to popular belief, genealogy is not a totally free hobby. At some point, you will have to pay for some of the information you seek. Free sources: http://www.familysearch.org is a free site, where you can learn the basics of creating a family tree. Simply register and follow the easy instructions. They have a free printable generation chart (a tree, of sorts) and a free printable family group sheet, both of which will help you manage the names and information you collect on your relatives, alive and deceased. Use the tutorial, to get started. http://www.rootsweb.com is a free Q&A forum, where you can post a query and search the message boards, for any possible information, relating to the names and geographical areas you are researching. Rootsweb, also, has some free printable charts. It's owned by the Generation Network, which owns numerous paid sites, ancestry.com and genealogy.com, to name a few. http://www.findagrave.com is free. After registering, as a contributor, you can search thru the cemetery listings for any probable memorials honoring your ancestors/relatives. You can create memorials and leave virtual flowers and a note. Remember to invite family members to register and do the same. You can contact the volunteer photographers and request a photo of any grave listed. Most public libraries subscribe to a paid site, which is free to library patrons. They may have some microflims of US Census records. You will have to pay for printing of any documents/records. Most LDS (Mormon) Churches have a Family History Center, also free to the public. The volunteers are very knowledgeable and are happy to help you. You will have to pay for printing of any documents/records. Call for days and hours of operation. Living relatives may have family stories to tell. Use a tape recorder, as people have a tendency to talk faster than you can write. I also use a tape recorder, when visiting cemeteries in order to prevent transposing of dates and spellings of names. Remember, the smallest clue can become the biggest clue.
6. All of these are answers are great and I use them in making my tree. I wanted to give you a website for free genealogy software I use. It is fabulous! and free. go to My Heritage.com Yo can get family tree builder from them for free. It does book reports, time lines, you can add photos and a lot more.
7. Plant a lot of seeds