O interesse pelas raízes e pela história familiar é um aspecto que encanta muitas pessoas. Graças aos avanços recentes nas ferramentas de genealogia de última geração, desvendar os segredos do nosso valioso legado ancestral tornou-se uma tarefa muito mais acessível e eficiente, superando os antigos métodos que demandavam pesquisas longas e complicadas.
Now, with the progress of technology and the internet, genealogy has become a practice within everyone's reach, allowing anyone to detail their family tree with great precision.
So, if you have questions about your lineage and want to know more, take just 5 minutes of your day to learn how genealogy apps can be useful for you!
What is a Family Tree?
The family tree is a graphic representation of family connections, spanning several generations. In it, the relationships between family members are outlined, revealing who their direct and indirect ancestors are.
This representation is a powerful tool for understanding your past, unraveling your family's journey through time, and forging a deeper bond with your identity. Furthermore, it can be useful for specific objectives, such as research on ethnicity, international citizenship processes or analysis of heredity in health.
Top Family Tree Apps
Explore now the best apps to help you build your family tree.
FamilySearch
FamilySearch, developed by a non-profit institution, is a free application that supports you in cooperatively building your family tree. It provides access to a large collection of historical documents essential for your genealogy project.
You start by creating a profile and recording information about yourself and your close relatives, expanding the search based on the historical data that the app makes available. With more than 5 million downloads, available for iOS and Android, its ease of use is ideal for those taking their first steps in search of their origins.
Ancestry
The Ancestry service, although paid, offers a wide collection of genealogical records, including detailed censuses that help reconstruct family history. There is a free trial option that allows you to start assembling your tree, with the possibility of locating associated documents by typing the name of a relative.
The application can be used on iOS and Android smartphones, in addition to being accessible via computer, and has already surpassed the 10 million download mark.
MyHeritage
For those looking for an even more complete service, MyHeritage features an extensive library of records, in addition to the DNA test option, which deepens the understanding of your family origins. The app makes it easy to add, modify and share your family tree.
With download available for both iPhones and Android, MyHeritage also offers subscription plans with extra features and has more than 10 million users.
How to use apps to build your family tree
To start creating your family tree, first choose the application that suits you best. After choosing, just download the online store from your cell phone and start registering your personal information, such as name and email.
Adding your information
Enter your details, such as name and date of birth. This information is the starting point for building the tree.
Entering relatives' data
Add information about your closest relatives, such as parents and grandparents. The more information you add, the more complete your tree will be.
Exploring historical documents
Use the app's features to research your ancestors and discover interesting details about them.
Connecting to other users
Some tools allow you to interact with other users by searching for the same surnames, which can lead to discoveries of distant relatives and additional information.
Sharing your tree
Several apps offer the option to share the family tree with other family members, facilitating collaboration and shared knowledge of common lineage.
Benefits of creating a family tree
Creating a family tree gives you the chance to better understand your heritage and the connections that shaped you. Feeling part of one's own family history and nurturing curiosity about the past are some of the benefits, in addition to the practical usefulness for citizenship or hereditary health research.
Required documents and where to find them
To build a complete 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 now available online, making access easier.
List of important documents:
- Birth certificate
- Wedding certificate
- Death certificate
- Old identity documents
- Military records
- Immigration and naturalization documents
- Old pictures
- 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 hitherto 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!
