Quick Facts About The Pedigree Family Chart

A family tree can serve as a source of inspiration and pride for you and your family. With the family tree, you’ll learn more about the early beginnings of your direct descendants, an you’ll also find a lot of interesting tidbits about how they lived, where they raised their families, how they died, or what they’re notable achievements were. 

There are different types of family tree charts, from simple diagrams to extensive, well-researched five-genration charts, complete with old photos, qoutations and other historical pieces. Here’s a look at one of the most popular family tree chart forms today, the pedigree chart. 

How A Pedigree family Chart Looks Like

Also called the ascendancy or lineage chart, the pedigree family chart is the most common family tree used today. With th pedigree family chart, you, or your parent or grandparent, are the starting point. After you or your parent, a single bloodline or family name follows, through different generations that you are able to trace.    

History Of Pedigree Family Charts

In the Middle Ages, particularly in England and Wales, pedigree charts were recorded in the College of Arms, which included pedigrees collected during travelling inquiries made by its heralds during the16th and 17 centuries. Those who wished to claim the right to bear arms had to provide enough proof or details about the grant of arms given to them by the College. They also had to show proof  of descent from an ancestor or descendant who was also entitled to bear the coat of arms. 

How To Prepare Your Pedigree Family Chart 

In preparing your pedigree family chart, first write down all information you gathered from your family, and start entering these into the family tree chart. If you’re not used to filling out these types of forms, ask for assistance, or get step-by-step information from those who are familiar with properly filling geneaological forms. Next, select a single surname to begin with. By keeping your family search focused, you’ll be able to go in the right direction, and you will also reduce the chance of missing out on any vital information or details.  

Explore The Worldwide Web For Information On Your Ancestors

The Internet is a good place for getting additional information regarding your ancestor’s records. Go to pedigree databases, message boards, forums and resources that are specific to your ancestor’s location.You can also drop by your local Family History information center, where you’ll be able toget easy access to a large collection of pertinent geneaological information.

You can also drop by the local census office and other public archive centers, to search for records of your direct descendants, from birth, marriage, death certificates, to wills, land deeds, immigration records and more. Once you get all the required data, organize your information, make photocopies, take photos, store notes, and keep backup copies in digital or computer files. Ensure that you save and record everything.     
