Family history and genealogy sites are very popular on the Net. People from all walks of life want to know where their families came from and who was important in their family's history. Many people are also looking to find other people who are distantly related to them.
If you have ever wanted to create one of these sites for your family, here's your chance. With the tips and tutorials I have created and gathered together for you, you can have your own site too.
Samples of Family History Sites
The Basics
If you have never created a Web site before you may need to learn the basics of HTML and Web design first. First take Jennifer Kyrnin's HTML 101 Course. She will take you through the basics, step-by-step. If you need more help, while taking her course you can check out the tutorial that I have put together.
When you are finished learning HTML you can go on to my Web Design course. Here you will learn what you need to have a successful Web site. You will even learn how you can create your site without knowing HTML using some of the online tools that some hosting providers offer.
What To Include
Every family is different and every family history is different. That's why you should include some information about your family and it's history on your site. If you have pictures of your family and/or your ancestors, include these too. Tell a little bit about each family member so people coming to your site will know more than just their names.
If you have created a family tree, add this to your site. Then tell what kinds of information you are looking for, if any. Are you looking for more information about your family's history? Other people who are related to your ancestors? Or, maybe you want to create a family directory. Either way, you need to tell people what your site is and what you need to make it better.
Web Space and Software
You will need a place to put your site. For this you will need to sign up with a Web site hosting provider. Some of them, like Google Page Creator, have templates specially designed for creating a genealogy Web site. If you are using these you will not need to know HTML.
Creating your family tree can be made by using genealogy software. These programs can either be online or downloaded to your computer. Some of them will even help you get your family tree from your computer to your Web site.
Graphics
When you have your site written you will be ready to make it look good. To do this you may want to add some genealogy clip art. You can find graphics that are made for these types of sites including: backgrounds, borders, dividers, wills, grave stones, parchment charts and much more. On top of this type of clip art you can also find free clip art graphics of other types to create a special feeling or theme to your site.