Partnership brings new features

Announced in a recent press release . . . and just in time for Christmas, The Generations Network, Inc., operators of Ancestry.com and other genealogy web sites, has teamed its virtual storytelling service, MyCanvas.com, with a photo-sharing site, SmugMug.com, to provide user tools for creating custom photo books, calendars, and posters. MyCanvas.com, launched a year ago as Ancestry Press but recently rebranded. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Mountain View, Califormia, SmugMug.com operates a photo sharing site.

Site offers range of printable genealogy charts

Recent press release announced a new web site offering more than 20 printable family tree templates and blank genealogy charts with variations designed for everyone from the seasoned genealogy buff to schoolchildren working on class projects. All of the family trees and charts at www.FamilyTreeTemplates.net can be instantly downloaded and printed for free in PDF form (compatible with Adobe Acrobat and similar readers), and a $4 premium version is available in .DOC format. The .DOC versions are fully editable with Microsoft Word, so users need only click and type to customize them and add family members' names to the already-formatted templates.

"These family tree templates will make it easy to record family roots," said Kevin Savetz, who created the site. "I've included a wide variety of family trees and charts, from multi-generational genealogy charts to cute, simple charts for kids. Also, we found that there aren't many printable family trees available especially for children who have been adopted, so we've included one on FamilyTreeTemplates.net."

Heraldry and Coat of Arms

Although it may be tempting to send off for that complete heraldry and coat of arms, supposedly representing your family name, you may want to "Hold your enthusiasm," cautions Alan Smith in his article, "Heraldry and Coat of Arms." There may be more to the story than surname alone -- it's worth checking it out.