How and why to create a family history website

Family history can be such a rewarding pastime, as we explore the records and piece together the story of our ancestors.

Those ‘eureka’ moments when you solve a genealogy puzzle or find that vital record are hard to beat, but it’s sharing these findings with family members that really brings the stories to life.

And as Kati McKeon, founder of Hot Lizard Designs (sponsors of this article), explains, creating your very own family history website is a wonderful way to showcase this shared history.

‘A family history website transforms static genealogical records into a living, breathing archive of your family’s legacy,’ Kati says.

‘Beyond just names and dates, it creates an interactive space where family stories come alive through photos, videos, and personal narratives. It serves as a centralised digital home where relatives can explore their roots, contribute memories, and collaborate on building a more complete family narrative.’

Creating a family history website

Thanks to advancements in technology and experts like Kati, this type of collaborative, online ‘hub’ is now something all of us can create, share and enjoy. You don’t need to be an expert in coding to get going.

‘While creating a professional family history website once required extensive technical knowledge, modern solutions make it much more accessible,’ Kati explains.

‘Using platforms like Squarespace, combined with professional design services, families can create sophisticated websites without needing coding expertise. Professional designers handle the technical aspects while you focus on what matters most – curating and sharing your family’s story.’

What should a family history website include?

According to Kati, important elements for any family history website include:

• a visually engaging family overview page that serves as a directory to different branches
• well organised photo galleries with contextual captions
• systems for preserving and sharing family stories and oral histories
• multimedia content including videos and audio recordings.

It’s also worth remembering that your website can and should continually evolve, as new information is unearthed, and so will benefit from secure methods for family contributions and privacy features to protect sensitive information.

‘Privacy and security are crucial when sharing family history online,’ Kati says. ‘Modern platforms offer robust security features including site-wide password protection; SSL security certificates; different permission levels for family members; private sections; and secure contribution forms.’

Get your research organised 

Organisation is key says Kati. ‘Start with a clear family outline as your foundation, then organise content either by family branches, chronologically, or both,’ she tells us.

The website should feature a logical menu structure mirroring your family’s major branches; search filters; separate sections for photos, documents, and stories; and easy-to-use contribution forms. 

Using professionals to help with your website

It may all sound a little daunting, but there are services that can help you get started and deal with the technical side of things.

‘Imagine turning generations of precious family memories into a beautiful, professional website without the technical headaches,’ says Kati.

‘Hot Lizard Designs specialises in crafting digital spaces that honour your family’s unique story and legacy. They transform boxes of photos, documents, and cherished memories into an engaging online experience that future generations will treasure.’

The comprehensive service includes:

• personalised strategy sessions to understand what makes your family special
• followed by expert implementation of professionally designed, customised Squarespace layouts
• intuitive navigation systems
• secure, password-protected spaces
• mobile-friendly designs
• custom features tailored to your needs.

Perhaps most importantly of all, Hot Lizard also provide expert guidance throughout the process.

‘With packages starting from $1950 AUD [around £990], Hot Lizard Designs offers flexible solutions that grow with your family’s needs,’ Kati says. ‘We handle all the technical details so you can focus on what matters most: preserving and sharing your family’s extraordinary story.’

About Hot Lizard Designs

Hot Lizard Designs is a Squarespace website design company based in Perth, Australia.

Bring your family's story to life with their custom website design service tailored for family histories. Hot Lizard understands that every family's journey is unique, which is why the pricing is flexible – you only pay for the features and scope your project needs. 

Kati says: 'Let's work together to create a beautiful online space that honours your heritage and connects generations.'

Find out more at: www.hotlizarddesigns.com