5 Ideas for Displaying Your Ancestor's Signature

Signatures can be precious mementos of your loved ones—and crucial clues as you research records. In addition to using handwriting in research, you can also display your ancestors’ signatures in a way that shares and celebrates your heritage. These easy signature projects will help you display your genealogy.

1. Frame a Record

A framed marriage bond document is displayed next to a vase containing pink, purple, and dark pink flowers on a wooden surface against a beige wall.

Create simple artwork by printing and framing records that include your ancestor’s signature. Display the frame in your home, or gift it to a family member.

2. Overlay a Signature on a Photo

Black and white portrait of a man with a mustache and beard, wearing a suit, against a plain background. The bottom of the image features a signature that reads "Charles E. Hughes.

Use photo-editing software to place an ancestor’s signature over a picture of him. Free websites such as Canva work nicely, as do more sophisticated photo-restoration software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop. This creates a meaningful connection between your newfound record and a cherished photograph.

3. Add to a Scrapbook or Photo Album

Print out a few signatures that you’ve discovered and paste them alongside photographs, printouts or other memorabilia in a collection.

How to Make a Photo Book: Your Ultimate Planning Guide

Woman and grandmother looking at a family photo album.

Share your family history! Here’s the ultimate how-to plan for making a photo book: image qualities to consider, elements to include and a making a page plan.

4. Attach to Online Family Trees

Like other historical images, signatures make great additions to online family trees and software programs—particularly in lieu of photos of your ancestor himself. “I create these lovely signature silhouettes for ancestors that I do not have photos for,” says Amberly Beck, who writes about family history on her blog The Genealogy Girl. “I share them with my nongenealogist family members in a special private photo album on Facebook, [and] I also add them to FamilySearch and my Ancestry tree so other family members can find and enjoy them.”

Online Tree or Genealogy Software: Where to Keep Your Data

Desktop computer showing a family tree to represent online trees and genealogy software

Deciding where you want to store your family tree, whether online or via software, can be a tough choice. Here, we’ll provide you with the tools to determine which online tree or family history software is best for you!

5. Create a Signature Pedigree Chart

A family tree diagram showing names linked together by lines and arrows, representing family relationships. The border is decorated with ornate designs. “Nola’s Goods” is printed in the bottom right corner. — Signature pedigree charts can be a great way to combine your research with a gift or family history display. This one was previously sold by nolasgoods on Etsy.

Instead of typing or hand-writing your ancestor’s name, place her signature on a family tree. You can order pedigree surname charts on Etsy.

These can make great gifts for genealogists and nongenealogists alike. Beck received one from her sister for Christmas. “When I opened the gift, I was overwhelmed! I know each of those people so well from my years of work researching every detail of their lives and preserving their photos, letters and other treasures,” she says. “Seeing all of those signatures arranged as a pedigree was emotional and deeply meaningful.”