Free Family Tree Pedigree Charts Where to Get Them & How to Fill in Your Relatives Info

Genealogy
Part 2 in a Series

How to Fill Out Your Genealogy Pedigree Chart

by Joan Stewart Smith, Guest Blogger
Stewart Communications

If you've ever wondered who your ancestors are, there's no better time than now to find out – especially with the plentiful genealogy online resources available for you to tap into.   When you start your family tree research, the first step is to fill out your pedigree chart, one of the most widely used standard forms in genealogy. 

But not many people are sure what a pedigree chart looks like or how to complete it properly, although it's quite simple once you learn about it step-by-step. The word “pedigree” brings to mind dog breeds and racehorses, but the shining star of your pedigree chart is you. The 8-1/2 x 11-inch pedigree chart is basically a family tree turned sideways instead of upward, giving you a snapshot of essential info about your direct lineage. At first glance, anyone can follow the pedigree chart’s path between you and your direct-line ancestors, and check out their names, dates and places of birth, marriage and death (“BMD”).

DAR PEDIGREE CHART

Free Downloadable Pedigree Charts
Where do you find a blank pedigree chart? You can download this free printable pedigree form from the Daughters of the American Revolution DAR.org, which you can fill out by pencil. 

Another good option is to use this no-cost interactive PDF form from Brigham Young University's Public TV & Radio Stations BYUB.org to fill out on your computer. 

Now that you have the blank chart, you’re ready to start. Remember this first step of your quest is only to fill in the information that you already know, so don’t be frustrated if you think you should know more. You’ll start your detective work later when you ask other family members and begin to search for the missing information.

1. Write the number “1” where it says “Chart No.” in the upper right-hand corner. Then move your eyes to the far left side of the page. Fill in your name over the line labeled Number 1. Write the info requested under your name. If you’re married, write your spouse’s name on the line below. Now record your father’s name in the Number 2 spot and your mother’s name in the Number 3 spot, and fill in the info under each.

2. Before you continue, note a few general tips: Capitalize all surnames such as JOHNSON or RODRIGUEZ. Use only maiden names for all the women on your chart. If you can’t recall someone’s first and middle name, just leave it blank with spaces to fill in later. If someone has a nickname, enter it in quotes (“Katie”) with their given name. If you’re just not sure about something you wrote, flag it with a question mark.

3. Write dates down as “day-month-year,” so for example, you will record, “7 Sep 1955.” You don’t need to add punctuation after the month’s abbreviation. You won’t know all dates, of course, so simply leave the spot blank or write “abt. 1901.”  When you list places, write the sequence “city, county, state, country” such as “Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA” or “Drangan, Tipperary, Ireland.” There is no need to write “county” with the county name.

4. Focusing back on the chart, do you see how your father’s side is growing toward the top of the chart and your mother’s side toward the bottom?  And how all males are even numbers and all females are odd numbers?  With that in mind, add your paternal grandparents (your father’s parents) in Number 4 and Number 5, and your maternal grandparents (your mother’s parents) in Number 6 and Number 7.

5. If you can, continue adding names until you’ve filled in the last blanks on your chart, which is usually the 4^th generation, your four sets of great grandparents. When you reach this point, you’ll need to start additional pedigree charts. Just re-enter each great grandparent’s name on a newly numbered pedigree chart, referencing his or her number in the original. For example, your great grandfather (your father’s father’s father), who is Number 8 on your chart, becomes ancestor #1 on a new chart.

You never know who'll you discover in your tree...

Chances are you soon will use the computer to track your research. Your genealogy software will display and print out the standard format of your pedigree chart, and other charts and forms used by genealogists everywhere.  After you finish your first pedigree chart, don’t worry if you can only go back so far. This is only the beginning of your exciting new adventure exploring your family history.

Other Posts in MBE's Amateur Genealogy Series

•  7 Beginners Tips to Start Family Tree Research
• How to Interview Family to Learn About Your Roots
• 10 Steps to Take After Getting DNA Results

About the Author
Joan Stewart Smith, who ranks genealogy among her favorite pursuits, is a married mom of a son who will soon be starting college. As a highly creative talent, she heads Stewart Communications, an independent consultancy specializing in PR, marketing & communications, social media, and writing. During her career, she has promoted products and services for clients ranging from fast-growing startups to established Fortune 100 companies, as well as PR and advertising agencies. Previously, she was a vice president at a leading high tech PR agency in Los Angeles.  Joan holds a B.A. in English and Journalism from San Jose State University and studied in the UCLA Department of Information Studies. Follow Joan @jstewartsmith on Twitter.

FTC Disclosure: The content for this blogpost is provided by Joan Stewart Smith and opinions here are the author's, photos included as credited.  However, readers should keep in mind that no MBE blogpost is a substitute for advice by a qualified professional of your choice. No brand provided payment or other compensation in connection with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's home page and at the bottom of every individual page including this one.

Animals Inspire Kids to Get More Active + Galápagos Islands Family Trip Giveaway

Kids

Betting MBE's mom and dad readers agree with National Geographic Kids that both teamwork and good sportsmanship are essential values every boy and girl should possess. So I'm excited to share these adorable and inspiring photos that exemplify those characteristics and show kids they can be and do anything they want. Without a doubt, bike riding dogs, acrobatic chimpanzees, racing pigs and other wacky weekend animal athletes all express the same message: YES WE CAN!

This is such a great way to get your child motivated to start being more physically active this fall. Have kids look at these inspirational animal athletes excelling in various "sports," then ask them how many of these activities they've actually tried (or would like to do) ... swinging from a safe distance on a tree branch, you get the idea. If your son or daughter isn't the sporty type, not to worry.  Why not, instead, encourage them to take a peek at these sporty, educational and entertaining Weird But True! facts.

Giveaway

In the spirit of amazing creatures, there's also fun competition going on for children worldwide. Help your kid take a photo of their own special animal athlete, then enter it in the Amazing Animals category of the 2016 National Geographic Kids International Photography Contest. The prize is a family-friendly trip of a lifetime for two to the Galápagos Islands provided by National Geographic Expeditions. Hurry and enter soon, because this kids photo contest ends October 15, 2016.

FTC Disclosure: I disclose I am a National Geographic Kids brand ambassador and that the content for this blogpost is inspired by that organization, with MBE adding some opinions. However, no payment or other compensation was received in connection with this post. See complete FTC disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's home page and at the bottom of every individual page including this one.

Empire State Building 3D Art Coin Puzzle Review Family Activity + Giveaway #3DCoinArt

Puzzles

This is a sponsored post

When it was completed in 1931, the 102-floor Empire State Building was the tallest building in the world. Though now the 29th largest skyscraper on the planet, it remains one of the most iconic symbols associated with New York. With such a rich past, it makes sense that NSI International, maker of creative and educational toys sold in toy stores and kids museums, chose this beautiful recognizable Art Deco Style structure as the focal point of its 3D Coin Art™ line.

This would be such a fun activity to have on hand during the upcoming holiday season when multiple generations will take time off from day-to-day work and life to gather together to celebrate and enjoy quality time with family and friends. 

While there are plenty of other 3D puzzles out there involving putting together traditional jigsaw paper or foam pieces, what makes the 3D Coin Art Empire State Building stand apart is that you build it out of nickels, dimes and quarters.

Just about everything required to build the Empire State skyscraper art piece, which stands about 18" tall when completed, is included. The only thing you'll need to provide before you get started is $50 dollars in U.S. coins: dimes (123 = $12.30), nickels (104 = $5.20), and quarters (130 = $32.50). 

It even comes with this handy coin tray so you can save up the coins you'll need....

You can, of course, get the proper quantities of shiny coins at the bank ready to go. But if you're like most of us, why not gather up all the spare change around the house that's just sitting there doing nothing and then clean it all using a simple salt and vinegar solution following the directions included in the box?

Suitable for ages 8 and up, builders of this 3D project simply follow the instructions to place and fit the proper coins in the right slots into each of the  two-piece clear solid plastic building tray and lid which then snaps securely together. After it's done, use one of the provided gold labels to add the completion date, and then have everyone who helped build it sign their name or initials. 

You'll end up with a family heirloom to place on your fireplace mantel or coffee table. Or, since this does not involved any kind of glue and is easily disassembled, you can take it apart and box it up and bring it out again on the next occasion when everyone gets together. Another idea is to give this as a holiday gift since it inspires kids to save up $50 in coins before they can start building it. 

Where to Buy & More Information
The 3D Art Coin Empire State Building in this review, as well as another similar coin building product featuring the American flag (as seen in the giveaway photo), is available direct from the 3DArtCoin site; both models may be purchased in-store at specialty and kids toy stores such as Toys R Us. If you buy online, you can have whichever product(s) you choose shipped to you or directly to the recipient, if it's a gift. To stay connected with the brand follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. To see the wide range of other educational and fun toys from the manufacturer, see NSI  International.

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FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert received the product featured and compensation to facilitate this review and giveaway. The brand is responsible for choosing the winner and shipping the prize to the winner. However, opinions here are my own. See complete FTC Disclosure that appears at the bottom of MBE's home page and at the bottom of every individual post including this one.