Building a Family Tree That Stands the Test of Time
A family tree is more than a diagram of names and dates — it's a living research document. Built carefully, it becomes an invaluable legacy for future generations. Built carelessly, it can become a collection of errors that spreads misinformation across the internet. Here's how to do it right.
Choosing the Right Platform
Several excellent platforms exist for building family trees online. Your choice depends on how you plan to use it:
- Ancestry.com — Best for linking directly to historical records; largest user community; subscription required for full record access
- FamilySearch — Free and collaborative; great for connecting with other researchers; uses a shared global tree model
- MyHeritage — Good for international research; offers photo enhancement tools; free basic plan available
- Findmypast — Strong for UK and Irish research; integrates well with British records
- Gramps (desktop software) — Free, open-source, and stored locally on your computer; no subscription needed
Many genealogists use more than one platform — for example, Ancestry for record searching and FamilySearch for sharing with relatives.
The Golden Rule: Cite Your Sources
Every fact you add to your family tree should have a source attached to it. This is the single most important habit in genealogy. Without sources, you can't distinguish verified facts from unverified family stories — and neither can anyone who inherits your research.
A good source citation includes:
- The type of record (e.g., "U.S. Federal Census, 1920")
- Where you found it (e.g., "Ancestry.com, accessed March 2025")
- Specific details like page numbers, film numbers, or archive references
Most online platforms allow you to attach source citations directly to individuals and events. Use this feature consistently.
Separating Facts from Family Tradition
Every family has stories — a rumored connection to royalty, a great-grandmother who came over "from the old country," a mysterious ancestor whose records "were all destroyed." Treat these stories as research leads, not established facts.
Use a notes field or separate "research notes" document to record unverified family traditions. Label them clearly as unverified until you can find documentary evidence to support or disprove them.
Naming Conventions to Follow
Consistent naming in your family tree prevents confusion, especially when working with common surnames or multiple people sharing the same name:
- Enter women under their birth/maiden name, not their married name
- Record names as they appear in historical records, noting alternate spellings
- Use full legal names where known, with nicknames in a separate field
- Be cautious with name variations across generations and countries
Handling Conflicting Information
You will encounter conflicts — two records showing different birth years, a census and a death certificate disagreeing on a birthplace. This is normal. When you find conflicting data:
- Record all versions and their sources
- Consider which record is more likely to be accurate and why
- Note the conflict in your research notes
- Look for additional sources that might resolve the discrepancy
Don't simply pick the version that fits your theory and discard the rest. Conflicting records often point toward important truths about an ancestor's life.
Sharing and Backing Up Your Tree
Back up your family tree regularly. If you use cloud-based platforms, also export a GEDCOM file (the standard genealogy data format) periodically and store it locally. GEDCOM files can be imported into almost any genealogy platform, ensuring your data isn't locked in one system.
When sharing your tree publicly, consider privacy for living individuals. Most platforms allow you to mark living people as private — use this feature to protect the privacy of yourself and your relatives.
Quality Over Quantity
It can be tempting to add as many people as possible to your tree, especially when hints and suggestions appear automatically. Resist the urge to accept hints without verification. A smaller, well-sourced family tree is far more valuable than a sprawling tree full of unverified connections.