Recently, more and more people have been dedicated to discovering their origins and the history of their families. Thanks to remarkable advances in genealogy technology, uncovering the secrets of our valuable ancestral legacy has become a much easier and more efficient task than traditional methods, which previously required lengthy and complex investigations.
Now, with the progress of technology and the internet, genealogy has become a practice accessible to everyone, allowing anyone to detail their family tree with great precision.
So, if you have questions about your lineage and want to learn more, dedicate just 5 minutes of your day to learning how genealogy apps can be useful to you!
What is a family tree?
A family tree is a graphic representation of family connections, spanning several generations. It outlines the relationships between family members, revealing who their direct and indirect ancestors are.
This representation is a powerful tool for understanding one's own past, unraveling one's family's journey through time, and forging a deeper connection to one's identity. Furthermore, it can be useful for specific purposes, such as research on ethnicity, international citizenship processes, or hereditary health analysis.
Main applications for family trees
Explore now the best apps to help you build your family tree.
FamilySearch
FamilySearch, developed by a non-profit organization, is a free application that helps you collaboratively build your family tree. It provides access to a large collection of historical documents essential for your genealogical project.
You start by creating a profile and registering information about yourself and close relatives, expanding your search based on the historical data that the app provides. With over 5 million downloads, available for iOS and Android, its ease of use is ideal for those taking their first steps in discovering their origins.
Link to the app on the Apple Store
Ancestry
The Ancestry service, although paid, offers a wide collection of genealogical records, including detailed censuses that help in reconstructing family history. There is a free trial option that allows you to start building your family tree, with the possibility of locating associated documents by typing in a relative's name.
The app can be used on iOS and Android smartphones, and is also accessible via computer, and has already surpassed 10 million downloads.
Link to the app on the Apple Store
MyHeritage
For those seeking an even more comprehensive service, MyHeritage offers an extensive library of records, as well as a DNA testing option that deepens the understanding of your family origins. The app makes it easy to add, modify, and share your family tree.
Available for download on both iPhones and Android devices, MyHeritage also offers subscription plans with extra features and boasts over 10 million users.
Link to the app on the Apple Store
How to use apps to build your family tree.
To begin creating your family tree, first choose the app that appeals to you most. After choosing, simply download it from your phone's app store and start registering your personal information, such as your name and email address.
Adding your information
Enter your information, such as your name and date of birth. This information is the starting point for building the family tree.
Entering relatives' data
Add information about your closest relatives, such as parents and grandparents. The more information you add, the more complete your family tree will be.
Exploring historical documents
Use the app's features to research your ancestors and discover interesting details about them.
Connecting with other users
Some tools allow you to interact with other users by searching for the same last name, which can lead to the discovery of distant relatives and additional information.
Sharing your tree
Several apps offer the option to share your family tree with other family members, facilitating collaboration and shared knowledge of your common lineage.
Benefits of creating a family tree
Creating a family tree offers the chance to better understand your heritage and the connections that shaped you. Feeling part of your own family history and nurturing curiosity about the past are some of the benefits, in addition to its practical use for citizenship or hereditary health research.
Required documents and where to find them.
To assemble a complete family tree, you may need documents such as birth or marriage certificates, which contain valuable information. Talking to family members, searching municipal archives, churches, and registry offices are ways to obtain these documents. Many records are already available online, making access easier.
List of important documents:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Death certificate
- Old identity documents
- Military records
- Immigration and naturalization documents
- Old photos
- Correspondence and diaries
Conclusion
With today's digital tools, recording your family history has become a rewarding practice that can be done from anywhere. This is the perfect opportunity to revisit the stories of your ancestors and share a previously hidden legacy with your family.
Ultimately, if you were curious about your roots, you now have the tools and information you need to make that discovery easier!
