Have you ever wondered about your family history? Who are your ancestors, where did they come from, what did they do? Unraveling your family tree can be a fascinating journey of discovery, and one of the tools that can help you along the way is a pedigree chart. Today, I want to share with you a free pedigree chart that covers 5 generations of your family tree.
Here’s what the chart looks like:
As you can see, the chart shows the names, birth dates and places, marriage dates and places, and death dates and places (if applicable) for 5 generations of your family tree. You can use this chart to get a quick overview of your ancestry and to identify areas where you might want to do some more research.
How to use the chart:
To use the chart, simply print out the image (you can click on it for a larger version) and fill in the details for your family members. You can start with yourself and work your way backwards, or you can start with one of your ancestors and work forwards or backwards from there.
As you fill in the chart, you may discover gaps in your knowledge or areas where you want to do more research. For example, you may know your great-grandmother’s name but not her birth or death dates, or you may know your great-great-grandfather’s birthplace but not his parents’ names. Jot down these gaps on a separate sheet of paper (you can use the back of the chart if you like) and use them as a starting point for further research.
Research tips:
If you’re new to genealogy research, here are a few tips to get you started:
- Start with what you know. Begin your research with yourself and work backwards, filling in as much information as you can for each generation. Ask family members for help and consult family documents such as birth and marriage certificates, obituaries, journals, and photographs.
- Organize your research. Keep track of your findings in a notebook or genealogy software program. Use a standard format for recording names, dates, and places so that you can easily compare and cross-reference information.
- Be thorough. Don’t rely on a single source for information. Check multiple sources and cross-check information to ensure accuracy. Be prepared for discrepancies and inconsistencies in records.
- Explore online resources. There are many online resources available for genealogy research, including ancestry.com, familysearch.org, and myheritage.com. Some of these sites require a subscription or a fee, but often offer free access to basic records.
- Join a genealogy group. Local genealogy groups and historical societies can be a great resource for discovering new research techniques, sharing information, and connecting with other genealogists.
Conclusion:
Use this free 5-generation pedigree chart as a starting point for your genealogy research. Fill in as much information as you can, and use the chart to identify areas where you need to do more research. Remember to organize your research, check multiple sources, and cross-check information to ensure accuracy. Happy researching!