What is
genealogy and a
family tree? Genealogy is a hobby where you collect information about your ancestors, that is, everyone in your family that has lived before you. You collect vital statistics, such as when and where they were born, lived and passed away. From these clues you become a master detective and learn all about their lives. Each family member is like a piece in a puzzle. As you collect and record family stories, pictures and documents, a fascinating tale of your history reveals itself. Building a family tree can be a life-long hobby for you. Maybe, one day, you’ll have a granddaughter or grandson to pass this family treasure on to. Just like your ancestors, the generations which follow you can read about, and enjoy your very interesting history! —————————————————————– ————— Getting Started The best place to start is with the family members you know best. The very first person on your family tree is your immediate family, mom and dad, brothers and sisters, and of course yourself! >From here you move backwards, one generation at a time. You can interview cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents and great-grandparents. You will be surprised what a great start you will have. —————————————————————– ————— Tools Your family detective kit will start with notebooks, pens and pencils. A glossary of genealogy terms is helpful too! Large envelopes or plastic boxes are good for keeping the photographs and documents you collect on your quest. A filing system to keep you organized is very important. You might want to purchase a commercial software program to record your information. Some software allows you to insert scanned pictures, and finally publish your own family book! Related Internet Resources: http:/ oyscollectibles.allinfo-about.com/features/familytree.html
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One of the most wonderful ways to preserve your family history is through a
family tree scrapbook album. You can showcase your history from the earliest photos available from your family archives up to the most recent baby addition. If you use a scrapbook with the option to add pages, you can continue to build on the scrapbook. You likely have many photos to choose from, particularly from the more recent family photo albums. Go through all your photos and arrange them by family, from the oldest to the most recent. If you are limited on early photos, use those you have and consider using any other available photos or information. Journaling is an important element to all scrapbooks, and is a good way to add to pages where there are very few photos. If you have any historical photos from the period, these can be added as well, if they help tell your family story. Because you will be using old materials, be sure to use appropriate scrapbooking materials, such as acid free pages and pens. Also, be sure to use PVC-free sheet protectors. If the materials you have are in delicate condition, consider making copies to use in the book. Photo labs and copy stores (such as FedEx/Kinko’s) have copiers that create photos nearly indistinguishable from the originals. This will preserve your memories without damaging the originals. You can also digitally correct damage to the photos, such as scratches. The most logical way to scrapbook your family tree is from the earliest family to the most recent. How many pages you devote to each family member will depend in part on the photos available, but a spread for each member/couple is a good way to start. It also depends on the size of your family! As you create each page, add historical information as you can, such as the names of each person in the photo, the date of the photo, and the location.
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