Family tree notebooks by Carly Morgan are a specific line of genealogy-themed journals and planners designed to help people organize their family history research in a physical, structured format. They are not a database or software, but rather guided paper notebooks that prompt users to record ancestors, family stories, and research notes. While Carly Morgan is not a widely known public figure in genealogy, her branded notebooks have gained attention in hobbyist and craft circles for their practical layout and beginner-friendly approach.
Background and Origin
The notebooks are attributed to Carly Morgan, an independent designer and creator who began selling genealogy planners through online marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon around the mid-2010s. Morgan’s background appears to be in graphic design and personal genealogy, as her products combine aesthetic appeal with functional research tracking. Unlike large publishing houses, her notebooks are typically print-on-demand, which means they are produced in small batches and often updated based on customer feedback. This grassroots origin explains why the notebooks are not found in major bookstores but are popular among genealogy bloggers and YouTube reviewers who appreciate their niche focus.
What’s Inside the Notebooks
The core of a Carly Morgan family tree notebook is its structured sections, which typically include:
- Pedigree charts – five-generation and seven-generation charts for recording direct ancestors.
- Family group sheets – pages for each nuclear family, listing parents, children, dates, and places.
- Census and record logs – tables to track which census years or vital records you have already searched.
- DNA match tracking – sections to note DNA matches, shared centimorgans, and hypothesized relationships.
- Story prompts – open-ended questions like “What did your grandmother love to cook?” to encourage oral history capture.
Each section is designed with checkboxes and blank lines, making it easy to fill in during library visits or at home. The notebooks come in different sizes, most commonly A4 and A5, with either hardcover or spiral binding.
How It Works in Practice
Using a Carly Morgan notebook is straightforward: you start with yourself and work backward. The pedigree chart is the entry point, where you write your name, your parents, grandparents, and so on. Once you identify a couple, you flip to a family group sheet to add details like marriage date, children’s birth order, and any notes about occupations or residences. The record logs help you avoid re-searching the same census year twice. For DNA users, the notebook includes a section for writing down matches and hypothesizing how they connect to your tree. Because it is paper, you can bring it to archives where electronics are not allowed, and you can sketch diagrams freely.
Common Problems and Limitations
While the notebooks are praised for their organization, they have known limitations. First, the fixed number of pages means large families or deep research will quickly outgrow the notebook. A five-generation chart only covers 31 ancestors, and if you have many branches, you may need multiple notebooks. Second, the DNA match section is basic – it does not allow for the complex triangulation that dedicated software like GEDmatch or DNA Painter offers. Third, because the notebooks are print-on-demand, quality can vary between batches; some users report binding issues or faint printing. Finally, the notebooks are not a replacement for a digital tree – they lack search, backup, and collaboration features. Most users treat them as a supplement to online tools like Ancestry or FamilySearch.
How to Choose the Right Notebook
If you are considering a Carly Morgan notebook, here are factors to weigh:
- Size – A5 is portable but has smaller writing areas; A4 is better for detailed notes.
- Binding – Spiral binding lies flat but can snag; hardcover is durable but bulkier.
- Number of pages – Check the product description; some editions have 100 pages, others 150.
- Specific sections – Some versions focus only on charts, while others include story prompts. Choose based on your goal.
- Price – They typically range from $15 to $30, which is higher than blank notebooks but lower than custom planners.
Reading recent customer reviews on the marketplace you use is wise, as Morgan updates the design based on feedback. If you are a beginner, the full edition with story prompts is often recommended; if you are a seasoned researcher, the chart-only version might be more efficient.
Cost and Where to Buy
Carly Morgan notebooks are sold primarily through Etsy and Amazon. Prices vary by edition and size, but a typical A5 spiral notebook costs around $18, while an A4 hardcover with extra pages can reach $30. Shipping is usually included in the price on Etsy, but Amazon may charge separate shipping. Because they are print-on-demand, there is no retail store, so you cannot browse them in person. Some users report that the notebooks go on sale during holiday periods, but there is no official website or newsletter to track discounts. If you are outside the United States, check international shipping costs, as they can exceed the notebook’s price.
Alternatives and Comparisons
Carly Morgan notebooks are not the only option. Other genealogy planners include the “Genealogy Planner” by Life’s Journey, which has similar sections but a more colorful design, and the “My Family Tree” notebook by Peter Pauper Press, which is cheaper but less detailed. For a digital approach, apps like FamilySearch Tree or Ancestry’s mobile app offer free charting, but they lack the tactile experience. If you prefer a fully customizable option, you can buy a blank bullet journal and create your own spreads, but that requires time and design skill. Compared to these, Carly Morgan notebooks offer a balance of structure and aesthetics, but they are not the most comprehensive or the cheapest. The best choice depends on whether you value portability, detail, or cost.
Safety and Accuracy Considerations
While using a paper notebook poses no physical safety risks, there are accuracy concerns. Genealogy records can be conflicting, and a notebook may give a false sense of certainty. Always write down the source for each fact – the notebook has a “source” line on each family group sheet, but if you forget to fill it, you may later question where a date came from. Also, be cautious with DNA matches: the notebook’s simple layout might encourage you to record a match as a “cousin” without verifying the relationship. For privacy, if you share your notebook with others, remember that it contains living people’s information; consider using a code for living individuals if you plan to share. Finally, do not rely solely on the notebook for your research – back up your findings in a digital tree to avoid loss from damage or misplacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Carly Morgan notebooks suitable for beginners?
Yes, they are specifically designed with beginners in mind. The instructions at the front explain how to fill out each chart, and the prompts guide you to ask relatives the right questions. However, if you are brand new to genealogy, you may still need a basic guide on how to find records – the notebook does not teach that.
Can I use the notebook with Ancestry or FamilySearch?
Absolutely. The notebook is a paper tool, so it works alongside any digital platform. Many users print their digital tree and then copy the information into the notebook for offline use, or they use the notebook to plan research and then enter findings into their online tree. There is no integration, but the formats are compatible.
How many generations can I record?
The standard edition includes a five-generation pedigree chart, but there are pages for additional charts, so you can continue beyond five generations by starting a new chart with the last ancestor’s name. The family group sheets allow unlimited generations if you have enough pages. Some editions also include a seven-generation chart, but you should check the product description to confirm.
Do the notebooks have sections for DNA matches?
Yes, most editions include a dedicated DNA section. It typically has space to log the match name, testing company, shared centimorgans, and your hypothesis. However, it is not as detailed as a DNA-specific workbook, so advanced users may need extra pages.
What is the difference between the A5 and A4 versions?
The A5 version is smaller and more portable, fitting in a purse or backpack, but the writing spaces are cramped. The A4 version is larger, easier to write in, and better for displaying charts, but it is heavier and less convenient to carry. Choose based on where you plan to use it – at home or in archives.
Are there digital versions of the notebook?
As of now, Carly Morgan notebooks are only available in physical form. There is no PDF or app version. If you prefer digital, you would need to create your own spreadsheet or use genealogy software.
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