Best Tools for Organizing Family History
May 7, 2025
Dear Mr. Higgonbottom,
I’ve recently started digging into my family’s history and quickly realized how overwhelming it can be to keep everything organized—photos, documents, dates, and stories from multiple generations. Are there any tools or software you’d recommend to help me keep it all straight?
Dear Overwhelmed Family Historian,
First of all, welcome to the wonderfully addictive world of family history! You’re not alone—many budding genealogists find themselves drowning in a sea of dates, names, and documents. The good news is, there are some fantastic tools to help you stay afloat.
Here are some of my top recommendations:
For Beginners and Tree Builders:
- Ancestry.com – A classic for a reason. Its vast database of records, easy-to-use interface, and DNA tools make it a great all-in-one platform.
- FamilySearch.org – Completely free and loaded with global records. It’s run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has a strong collaborative tree system.
For Organization and Documentation:
- RootsMagic – Ideal for genealogists who like to keep everything tidy and offline. It allows detailed source citations, media attachments, and integrates with Ancestry and FamilySearch.
- Legacy Family Tree – Another strong desktop software option, especially good for those who want detailed reports and charts.
For Notes, Stories, and Scans:
- Evernote or Notion – Great for keeping research notes, old letters, and transcriptions in one place. Notion is especially handy if you like creating your own customized databases.
- Google Drive – Simple, accessible, and sharable. Use it to store documents, photos, and even audio files of interviews.
Bonus: DNA Testing
- If you’re looking to break through brick walls or find lost cousins, DNA testing with 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or MyHeritage DNA can add an exciting layer to your research.
Whichever tools you choose, the most important thing is to keep your materials backed up and well-labeled. Your future self—and future generations—will thank you!
Happy digging into your roots!
