Maps add color, interest to family trees

The branches of my family tree stretch from Jackson, Calif., to Jason, N.C., even though none of my relatives (that I know of) live in either of those places.

How is that possible? Simple. Instead of a boring family tree that simply lists my relatives' names, I've created an illustrated version using maps. And thanks to the U.S. Geological Survey's online tools, it's easy to track down towns, lakes or other geographic features that match a particular name, then download and print free, detailed maps.

The maps can be cropped to highlight the featured names and framed to make a colorful family tree perfect for Mother's Day. My family is small enough that the version I made for my Mom includes three generations in one frame, but if your family is large, try limiting your "tree" to just your name and that of your siblings. Or keep it super simple and frame a map for Mother Lake, Minn., or Mother Vineyard, N.C.

This also is a great gift for weddings if you can find maps that match the happy couple's first names. Or group together sentimental locations like Love, Miss., Happy, Ark., or Matrimony Point, Maine.

MATERIALS:

— a computer

— word processing or photo editing software

— photo paper

— printer

— frame

— scissors or craft knife and ruler

— white cardstock

— glue

— foam core board (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Start by searching the domestic names database at the U.S. Board on Geographic names website: geonames.usgs.gov/. There, you can enter a name and see populated places, bodies of water and other geographic features that might match. If you get multiple results, jot down a few since some maps might display the name you're seeking more prominently than others.

2. Next, go the U.S. Geological Survey website, www.usgs.gov/, and click on the "maps, imagery and publications" tab. There, you'll find an option to download topographic maps using the site's map locator.

3. In the map locator, type in the town (or other feature) and state you found in step 1. For example, I started with my dad, Rob, and found Robert, La.