There is a renewed interest in family history these days. People want to know more about their ancestors, their stories and their lives. It is also important to teach children about their heritage and the wonderful people who lived before them. One of the best ways to teach about ancestors is with a family tree. Not only will a family tree help kids get a visual of their ancestors, the tree will help spark questions and encourage research to learn more.There are many different ways to create a family tree. It will all come down to what fits your home and lifestyle and what materials you want to use to create it. But in the end, a family tree will become a treasured heirloom that you can pass down through the generations. This author has a memory of a family tree that covered the entire wall of her grandmothers den. On that tree she had written in the names, birth dates and death dates of ancestors going back hundreds of years. It was a fascinating thing to look at and study. Now your tree doesn’t have to be that elaborate, but it can still create the same feelings of awe and respect.As we look at a few different types of pedigree charts you can create, keep a few things in mind. Will you want to continue adding names, or is it a tree that will just show your ancestry line? This is fine, many people like to have a pedigree that start with themselves and works back through their ancestors. However, if you want to be able to add names to it, make sure the design you choose will allow that. Also consider portability. Will you want to take it to family reunions and such? If so, you may want something that is easy to transport and is durable.A family tree can be created out of almost any material. In fact you are only limited by your imagination! Traditionally, a pedigree chart was created on paper and then stored in a genealogy book or family bible. Some paper charts were intricately colored, framed and displayed in the home. May people create pedigree charts using needlework. You can find patterns for simple family trees and then you simply add your family names and dates. These fabric trees can then be framed, hung from a dowel, or even made into a quilt.With all the advancements we have these days, you can create family trees on your computer and then share them with others. Some digital scrapbook designers have created the basics for making a digital family tree that you can add your family photos to for a truly personal touch. These trees can either be created as an ancestry or posterity. Put pictures of the grandparents in the trunk and add children and grandchildren to the branches. Or you could put yourself in the trunk and add photos of your ancestors throughout the branches. The beauty of a digital family tree is you can add to it as needed without much work.No matter what type of pedigree chart you choose to create, it is important to remember where we have come from. We can learn lessons from the past and embrace our heritage for a richer life.