Three Easy Steps to Transform Your Ancestry Family Tree into a Conversation Piece

I discovered I was related to my neighbor one evening while standing in her kitchen. (You can hear all about that in this episode of the podcast.) That unexpected moment of connection wouldn't have happened if her family tree had stayed hidden in her computer. She had taken her family tree chart off her wall and laid it out on her kitchen table. As we traced our fingers along the branches of her family tree, we found our common ancestors there on her mother's side. That moment changed how I thought about family history forever – and showed me just how simple it can be to transform a digital family tree into something that creates real family connections.

The Digital Dilemma

If you're like me, you've spent countless hours building your family tree on Ancestry. You've made fascinating discoveries about your ancestors, collected historical records, and maybe even connected with DNA matches. But here's the thing - all those amazing discoveries are trapped inside your computer. Your carefully researched family tree exists in pixels and data, seen only when you log in to your account.

Think about it: when was the last time your family gathered around your laptop to explore your family tree together? How often do your children or grandchildren ask about the ancestors you've discovered while scrolling through your digital records? Our family stories deserve to be more visible, more accessible, more present in our daily lives.

One Family Chartmasters customer discovered exactly this power of making family history visible:

"I ordered a number of family tree charts I had created via Ancestry and sent them out to cousins scattered around the country. It has succeeded in bringing many together for the first time, now having an understanding of the who's who in the family." (Steve N.)

 

The Wall-to-Wall Transformation

That evening in my neighbor's kitchen I was again reminded why it's so important to print my family tree. Since then, I've made it an annual tradition to update my family tree chart, and the impact has been remarkable. Having my family tree visible in my home has created countless opportunities for natural conversations about our family history.

My niblings see it and comment. One of my nephews is reminded that he shares his name with my paternal grandfather. Another can see he was born in the same place as some of our ancestors and carries a middle name that has been passed down through five generations of men in our family. These connections happen and are reinforced because my research doesn't stay locked away in my Ancestry account.

But the benefits go beyond just conversations. Having my family tree on display keeps my ancestors at the forefront of my mind. When I glance at my wall, I'm reminded of the solid foundation of faith I stand on, built by generations before me. During challenging times, seeing my place in this larger family story helps me maintain perspective. These aren't just names and dates on my wall - they're reminders of my family's resilience, strength, and endurance.

"But My Research Isn't Done!"

I hear this concern often, and I understand the hesitation. Here's the truth: family history research is never "done." There are always new discoveries to be made, new stories to uncover, new connections to explore. But that's exactly why printing your family tree regularly is so powerful.

Each new version of my chart celebrates the discoveries I've made that year. Sometimes it's finding a long-sought birthplace of a 2x great-grandfather, or finally uncovering a 3x great-grandmother's maiden name. I update these discoveries in my online family tree at Ancestry as I make them. But, there's something special about seeing them displayed on my wall in a new chart.

Beyond Research: Your Home, Your Story

One unexpected benefit I've discovered is how printing new versions of my family tree allows me to keep my home décor fresh and engaging. Each time I order a new chart, I can choose a different style that matches my current home aesthetic. Sometimes I'll print a new chart simply because I want to try a different design, even if my research hasn't changed. I've also found myself wanting charts in different rooms - one for my living room where guests can see it, another for my home office where I do my research.

Many of our customers find that taking this step to display their family history becomes a defining moment:

"I had been waffling on purchasing a set-style chart for quite awhile, even purchased some fill-in charts last winter. I am so happy with my 10-generation circle chart! The entire process was fantastic from the phone consultation to the receipt of the chart. Now I just have to find the right place to hang it!" (Cheryl M.)

Your Turn to Transform Digital into Visible

If you've built your family tree on Ancestry or FamilySearch (or any other genealogy software program), you're already halfway there. Set-style charts make it simple to transform your digital research into a beautiful piece of home décor that will spark conversations and connections for years to come. With a dozen beautifully pre-designed options to choose from, you can display four to ten generations of your family tree in a style that perfectly complements your home.

The process is simple:

1. Export your family tree into a GEDCOM file (we'll show you exactly how)
2. Choose your favorite design from a dozen pre-designed options
3. Let us transform your family tree into a beautiful chart, starting at just $89

For way less than the cost of your annual Ancestry subscription, you'll have a professional-quality family tree chart ready to display in your home. And unlike most home décor purchases, this one comes with a priceless bonus: the conversations, connections, and moments of discovery it will spark for years to come.

The gift of family connection often spreads beyond just one chart:

"In the fall of 2023 my husband decided to order 7 charts to give as Christmas gifts. The result is exactly what we wanted, and everyone loved them. (Paula C.)

Want to share these connections with your whole family? Get additional copies of the same chart – perfect for gifting to your parents, children, siblings, or cousins who share this family story. Just tell us who the starting person is for each chart.

Don't let your family's story stay trapped in your computer. Give it the prominence it deserves on your wall, where it can inspire conversations, strengthen connections, and remind everyone who sees it that they're part of something bigger than themselves.

Ready to transform your digital family tree into a conversation piece? Visit Family Chartmasters today to explore our set-style chart designs and start your order. Your family's story deserves to be seen. And all your hard work deserves a place of honor on your wall.