Keeping Track of Your Data (National Institute)

Keeping Track of Your Data
You may use genealogical software to keep track of each ancestor and generate pedigree charts and family group sheets. Find reviews of popular genealogical software programs on the GenSoftReviews website.

In addition to an ancestor/pedigree chart and family group sheet, I also like to prepare what I call an “Ancestor Data Sheet.” This is a basic form I create for each person in the line I am currently researching, and contains such information as the ancestor’s surname, given name, other or alternate spelled names, birth date and place, marriage date/place, churches attended, immigration information (date of arrival, port, ship, etc.), date and place of death and burial, as well as data about the person’s spouse, siblings, and any other information I view as important. I like to think of this sheet as a sort of “Who’s Who” list in my genealogical research project.

A sample Ancestor Data Sheet form is provided following the example on the next pages. (You may use this template and/or customize it to suit your own research needs). This form can help provide a summary for each one of your female ancestors.

In addition, use a research log or spreadsheets that list sources to check and guide you as you research. Find links to websites with many free charts and forms. .

Sample Ancestor Data Sheet - Page 1

Sample Ancestor Data Sheet - Page 2



Blank Ancestor Data Sheet - Page 1 Blank Ancestor Data Sheet - Page 2  Blank Ancestor Data Sheet - Page 3



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Information in this Wiki page is excerpted from the online course Research: Grandmothers, Mothers and Daughters-Tracing Women offered by The National Institute for Genealogical Studies. To learn more about this course or other courses available from the Institute, see our website. We can be contacted at [mailto:wiki@genealogicalstudies.com wiki@genealogicalstudies.com]

We welcome updates and additions to this Wiki page.