How To Fill Out Pedigree Charts & Family Group Charts
A beginner’s guide to using pedigree charts and family group sheets to document family history. Learn to fill out forms, gather info, fact check, and connect with relatives to preserve heritage
Don’t reinvent the wheel, charts work
Genealogy has been ‘a thing’ for a long time now. Those that have gone down the rabbit hole before us have created charts, forms and templates that just work!
Pedigree charts and family group sheets are basic building blocks for doing family history research. You’ll use them in every research session. Bring them on every research trip. Update them as you find new info.
Many people share simple versions when writing relatives and archives.
And, these will show what you already know and what you still need.
I’ll share what’s so special about these 2 forms and at the end of the article give you a link to get them for yourself.
Get it out of your head, and down on paper
Genealogy is names, dates and places. After awhile they all start to run together. It’s best to get this information down on paper so you will have to to glance at real quick or tack up on your wall in front of you to help you stay on track.
Utilizing charts like these will allow you to record the basic information of family members in two very different ways. No matter which chart you are working with, you have a quick reference to use, or share. They could very well be the tid bit of information that someone else needs to jump in along with you.
Always remember, family history doesn’t belong to us, so share it!
And second, there’s a lot going on up there, get that information out of your head and on paper.
In this step-by-step tutorial, we will go through the process of using pedigree charts and family group sheets to keep yourself focused.
Find the grandparents with pedigree charts
Pedigree charts are the building blocks of your family tree, showcasing your direct ancestral lines. Just for clarification, your direct ancestral lines are your parents, grandparents, great grandparents, great great grandparents and so on.
By writing down names, dates, and relationships, your lineage back through the generations will become clear.
Bring on the cousins with family group sheets
Family group sheets, will provide an overview of each individual family unit of a person, typically the head of the household. These sheets include a little more information, such as birth, marriage, death, and the children of that individual, so you can start connecting all the dots and connections among relatives.
So, let’s start recording what we know about our ancestors, and you’ll begin to see them as a family, and as individuals in your family tree.
Which genealogy form for which task?
Pedigree charts show your direct ancestral lines. They usually start with you at the bottom and go up through your parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and so on. Everyone is listed with their full name, birthdate, marriage details, and death date, if known. By filling out a pedigree chart, you will create a picture of your direct ancestors going back through time. It’s a tool that will let you identify gaps in your research and potential areas for further exploration.
Family group sheets give the details of each individual family unit within your tree. Any head of household can be the subject person. Each family group sheet typically contains a section for the father, mother, and their children, along with details such as birth, marriage, and death dates, as well as locations. Some will even include the children’s spouses. Family group sheets will allow you to see the pedigree chart expand outward.
Now that you understand the difference between pedigree charts and family group sheets, it’s time to start putting knowledge to paper.
It’s important to remember that these documents are not meant to be static records- as you continue to research you will find yourself making changes and additions as new information is found.
This is just the beginning of your family research journey.
Gather information about your ancestors. Use every source you have:
- Your own knowledge
- Ask other living relatives
- Refer to birth certificates, baptismal records, or church records to determine date and place of birth
- Refer to marriage records or old newspaper clippings to determine date and place of marriage, maybe even a spouse’s name you aren’t aware of
- Use death certificates or obituaries to determine date and place of death
- Look at, or in, old family bibles
- Flip through old photo albums you or family members have
Accuracy matters in genealogy, so verify information with reliable sources, and be meticulous in your record-keeping. This is a fact-finding mission. You should exhaust every avenue as you start documenting your factual record of your family.
Filling out a pedigree chart
Now that you’ve gathered information and organized your research, it’s time to start filling out your pedigree chart.
When filling out a pedigree chart:
- Record women by their maiden names.
- Write surnames in CAPITAL letters for clarity.
- Start with yourself and work backward, documenting each generation.
- Include precise dates and locations.
- Note any gaps for future investigation.
Begin with yourself and work backward. Document each generation as you go. Start with what you know for certain, such as your own birthdate and place of birth, and then move on to your parents’ details.
Give exact date and locations on the chart. If you find a gap, make a note. Come back to it late when checking your facts. Remember that getting the details right matters in family history research, so always strive to verify information with reliable sources.
As you complete each section of the pedigree chart, take the time to review your work and identify any gaps in your knowledge. This will help determine the next steps in your research plan.
Filling out a family group sheet
With your pedigree chart well underway, it’s time to expand on your research by filling out family group sheets. These sheets will allow you to see the relationships and connections among your relatives more clearly.
- Typically, each family group sheet will be under the name of the head of household. This is usually the father, but could be a single mother.
- A female will be recorded multiple times. She will first be recorded in her father’s household. Then when she married she will show on her husbands family group sheet. Document their names, birthdates, and places of birth. Remember, always record women by their maiden names.
- List children in chronological order, including birth dates and places.
- Include spouses’ names and marriage details if applicable.
Continue this process for each family unit in your pedigree chart, noting any discrepancies or missing information for further research.
As you fill out these forms, pay close attention to any discrepancies or missing information. These gaps should be written down because they will become part of your research plan.
Analyze and Verify: Begin fact-checking the information you have
As your pedigree chart and family group sheets start to take shape, it’s essential to begin fact-checking the information you’ve gathered. Family history research is an ongoing process, and it’s important to check, verify and recheck your information again and again.
One of the best ways to verify information is to cross-reference it against other records. Compare information from birth certificates, marriage records, and other official documents to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Be aware that spelling variations, transcription errors, and mistakes in official records can occur, so be prepared to use alternative search methods, and consider different name spellings.
Now that you have a good start, make connections with family members and keep going
As you wrap up, remember that your family history journey doesn’t end here. While pedigree charts and family group sheets provide a solid foundation for your research, they only scratch the surface of your family history.
One of the most valuable resources for family history research is living relatives. They can provide firsthand accounts, stories, and personal connections that no document or record can capture. Contact elderly relatives or distant cousins to learn more about your family history.
Conduct interviews, visit family reunions, and share your findings with others. By talking with your living relatives, you’ll not only improve your research but also make your family ties stronger and preserve your shared heritage for future generations.
So, time to embark on an adventure into your past. Armed with pedigree charts, family group sheets, and a wealth of information and ideas, you are ready to find the stories of your ancestors.
Happy researching!
~MaryK
