A family tree diagram is a means by which family lineage can be viewed. It is like a tree in that it starts narrow at the bottom and then branches out wider higher in the tree. Information can be added to the family tree that will help with continued genealogical research. Family tree diagrams not only contain the information about family names, they can make family history easier to understand because they are in diagram form.
Step 1
Lay a paper down in landscape layout, with the wider part of the paper lying horizontally. Draw a box at the bottom of the paper. The ruler doesn't need to be used to make the information boxes in a family tree perfectly square, but rulers can be used to square the boxes as desired.
Step 2
Write your personal information in the box. Boxes in family trees contain a name, maiden name if it pertains, date of birth, date of marriage and date that death occurred, if it pertains.
Step 3
Draw a line about 1 inch long vertically from the center of the first information box. Draw a horizontal line about 4 inches long across the top of the vertical line, creating a T-shape with the lines. Draw a box above each end of the horizontal line.
Step 4
Write information about the father in one box above the first box, and about the mother in the second box. This row of boxes is one generation of the family tree.
Step 5
Repeat drawing a vertical and horizontal line above each of the boxes in the row of two boxes. This is the information about the grandparents and will have four boxes. There will be a father and mother box for each parent in the second row.
Step 6
Repeat drawing lines and boxes above information boxes as necessary for the genealogical information gathered. Tape additional sheets of paper to the diagram as necessary until all family information is presented on the family tree diagram.
Tips and Warnings
- As you gather information for the family tree and after you draw it the first time, you can redraw it smaller so that it fits onto one page.
Things You'll Need
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Paper
- Tape
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