Family History Charts: Creating Links that Last

To supplement family history archives, charts are used to give a simple view of how ancestors and people in a family are linked together. These family history charts are commonly referred to family trees or pedigree charts.

Unlike family histories, the charts usually only contain technical information about a person. Such information includes the ancestor's birthday, place of birth, date of death, place of death, marriage date and place of marriage.

Most often, these are listed using the Ahnentafel numbering system. The Ahnentafel numbering system lists a person's name and their ancestors in a certain order. It is used to display information in a compact manner without using a family tree. Often, these are listed as binary numbers that are arranged in level order.

Some family history charts may contain small notes beside each name. These, however, are not common, considering that family history charts are attached to the ancestor's story, and notes would be written on a separate page or as footnotes.

Family history charts reveal both maternal and paternal lineages that commonly reach up to the 6th or even 8th degree. However, in some cases, only the patrilineal descent is accounted for, since women in some societies are considered second class citizens.

Family history charts could also list occupations, show extra-marital affairs and include illegitimate children. Though these are generally omitted, some family history charts of royalties include information for documentation's sake.

One of the most complex and lengthy family history charts is that of the Greek gods and goddesses. Although these are considered fictional, their family charts are great examples for people who wish to learn the dynamics and processes of making a family tree. Family history charts of royalties also make good illustrations of ancestry. Both are common and easy to find, especially on the Internet.

When starting a family history chart, begin with yourself and go backwards. This will make it easier for you to complete a series of connections that will probably fill up pages.

You can also utilize family history chart software on the Internet when constructing your tree. There are several websites you can look into and that can help you start your family history chart.