Look for downloadable templates online to help you create a multi-generational chart, family group sheet, or research log-which are great organizational tools you can share with relatives even if you don’t publish them all in your book. You may start by talking to parents or relatives, but you’ll probably need to consult public records and resources (genealogical search websites, libraries, courthouses, churches) to fill in all the blanks. Discover your genealogyĪ core part of your family tree book research will involve compiling a list of basic information about your ancestors: names, relationships, dates, and places of birth, marriage, and death. Annotated journal, diary, or letters: Copies or transcripts of a relative’s writings, with notes on family background and historical events.Individual biography: Stories and photos of an ancestor, where they lived, and historical records.Family memoir: Photos of a parent, grandparent, or relative, along with stories from interviews, journals, newspaper clippings, maps, and postcards.Descendant tree book: Start with an ancestral couple and work forward to the present day, identifying all known descendants.Perfect for anniversaries, holidays, and family reunions. Combination book: Document the ancestors and descendants of one couple (e.g.Makes a good birthday, graduation, new baby, or holiday gift. Individual book: Trace the ancestry of one person, working back through time.Ideal for a child’s birthday or graduation gift. “Our family” tree: Photos and brief descriptions of living family members, going back to grandparents or great-grandparents.What kind of book interests you? Family tree and genealogy Adding photos, historical documents, and storytelling will make your family history book even more engaging. You can include a simple family tree diagram or an extensive list of family members and biographical data. There are many different styles of family tree books-from classic family photo albums to long-form narratives. You are part of history in the making! Pick a type of family history book

Keep in mind, putting together a family tree book is usually not a rush job, so give yourself time to enjoy the discovery process. Use these family tree book ideas to create a unique keepsake for yourself or a gift to share at anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, and family reunions. Whether you’ve been sharing family stories over the years or you just started tracking down photos of your ancestors, there comes a time when you want to preserve all those memories.

Template for family history book