Writing a family history is a big project. If you are working on your own personal history a history that spans generations there are basic steps that you can take to make the project a success. It is important to begin working with a plan in mind.
The first step in writing a family history is to begin with the research. You should look at old family journal and letters. This can help you begin to fill in the details of your family’s daily life generations ago. As you add these details you bring your family history to life. The stories and life adventures are the most important thing that you can pass on from generation to generation.
A timeline can provide two purposes. First it can help you put the stories and family events in the correct order as you prepare to write your family history. The second thing it does is help the reader place the person in context of time and the overall family. This can be especially helpful if your family history spans across several generations.
If possible you should also include interviews from family members. These may include interviews that focus on the stories that were passed on. As you focus on family that is closer to your time you can do individual interview to capture the personal histories of each family member. This can add a personal touch and allows your family history to keep growing over time.
Once you have complied all of your information you will need to begin writing your family history. It can be difficult to know what to include and what to leave out. Focus on the life changing moments as well as few things that can illustrate daily family life. Finally you should determine how you are going to publish your family history. You can have it printed by a vanity press or choose to publish it online. Either way be sure that you make it available to all of your family members.