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How to Collaborate and Contribute Information

The family tree can be only as complete and accurate as possible if family members work together to provide updates and contribute information. Information submissions and suggestions by all family members are welcome and very much appreciated!

Here are a few thought starters for how we can all make the family tree a better experience for all family members:

• Review the information for accuracy - It is impossible for any one person to get everything correct and more than a few times, the original sources of information are wrong. Even U.S. Census information or published stories in newspapers can get it wrong. Everyone should look at the information for their family members and review it for errors and help fill in blanks where their is no information.  

• Pass the word on to other family members - Let other family members know about the website and invite them to provide information they may have.

• Submit family photos - As the old saying goes "a picture is worth a thousand words" and sharing those special family photos help us remember all of our family members in a way words alone cannot convey. Photos can be historical or contemporary - either a picture of Grandma and Grandpa's wedding from 75 years ago or the new baby born yesterday. The old photos from years past are especially precious because they are so rare. Family members can submit digital copies of any photos you would like to be included. Most contemporary photos, of course, already are digital files. Old historical pictures can easily be scanned (many computer printers these days include a scanning function that will work just fine). If you don't know how to scan pictures, no doubt the Grandkids are experts and would be happy to help. Large digital files are welcome for submission; they will be resized as appropriate to fit the website with reasonable download times.

• Personalize the information - Nothing makes the memories of loved ones more real than the stories and tidbits that make them unique. That can be anything from full stories about, for example, a favorite fishing or hunting trip to little snippets like, for example, Grandma's favorate hobby was crocheting. Any details like that are welcome and will be posted on "other information" page for individuals.

• Do some research - No one has a monopoly on researching the family tree. Interviewing family members, searching the web to discover new information, checking out old newspaper collections at libraries, visiting cemetaries to photograph tombstones and other research activities are all things any one can do.

Please submit any questions, updates or additional information via email to Bob @ MatulkaFamilyTree.org (leaving out the space before and after the "@".