How To Get Everyone Involved In A Family Tree Project

Are you ready to create your family tree? It’s a project the whole family can get behind. Here are some ideas to get everyone involved and get you started on this worthwhile project that’ll capture at least the basics of your family history.

Start With What You Know

Over the years you’ve heard stories. You’ve jotted down family ancestry names from what your parents or grandparents have told you. In all likelihood, you have some of the elements of your family tree — at least a name or two.

If you don’t have any information on your parents, grandparents, or other relatives, you can turn to ancestry websites for assistance.

In any case, start with what you know, and go from there. Talk with relatives to learn more, and jot it all down. Conduct research on your ancestry online or by talking to specialists at your local library. There’s always a starting point! Begin there, and work your way up, gathering as much information as you can.

Check With The Older Generations

If you are fortunate enough to be in contact with relatives whose lives have spanned decades, it’s time to get in touch with them and schedule some interviews. You can learn so much about your family heritage from your conversations with members of previous generations. Always be sure to record what you learn.

Get The Younger Ones Involved

The kids can get in on the fun of a family tree project, too! Depending on their age, they may not be able to do much more than draw their own renditions of their family members, or write short sentences about what they love about Dad or what they enjoy doing most with Mom. Don’t discount these treasures, though! These drawings and writings can become a cherished part of your family tree. There is no one way to create a family tree; get creative, and get everyone involved!

Intergenerational Opportunities

Older kids, as well as teens, can get involved in the project in many ways, including intergenerational opportunities. For example, they can call Grandma and ask questions about what life was like when she was a child. Did she go to school? How did she get there? What was her classroom like? Did she have a best friend? What else does she remember from her childhood?

Preserving these stories is important, and when your kids or teens get involved, it can be an enriching experience for both the younger and older generations of your family.

For Those With Special Skills Or Interests

Are there members of your family with special skills who can contribute to the project in some way? Special skills may include:

• Photography: You can include both candid shots and family portraits in your family tree project. Photo editing skills are also a plus.
• Videography: Everything from interviews to candid moments can be expertly captured by someone with video skills.
• Writing: Snippets of stories can be expanded and recorded in writing for posterity by someone skilled with the written word.
• Arts and Crafts: Someone with these skills can design and create a family tree that’s as beautiful as it is informative.
• Computer Literacy: Videos need editing, photos could use touch-ups, and everything needs to be uploaded to the computer or the cloud, making computer skills extremely helpful.

What other skills can your family members bring to the table? Remember that everyone can contribute in some way. It’s a big and important project, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. It can be fun and inclusive!

Living Family History Believes In Preserving A Family’s Legacy

At Living Family History, we’ve created a way to simplify capturing your memories and preserving your family legacy. We believe that with the right tools available to you and your loved ones, you can more easily record and share the pieces of your lives that make up your family tree.

Take a look at the packages we offer to simplify photo and file storage and sharing. You can upload video, audio, and text to create a living, ever-growing family tree online that can be accessed by your loved ones. Start your living family history preservation journey today!