How to Genealogy Search for Cemeteries

In order to search at cemeteries, you'll need to overcome the long-standing idea that they're places of sorrow. In your search, the cemetery is an important connection to your heritage and an exciting way to keep the memory of your ancestors alive.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rubbing Pencils
• Maps
• Yellow Pages
• Acid-free Scrapbooks
• Cleaning Supplies
• Cleaning Supplies
• Internet Access
• Acid-free Papers
• Notebooks
• Cameras
• Film
• Genealogy Software
• Maps
• Cameras
• Notebooks

1. Examine family records for indications of where your ancestors are buried. Remember to check through financial records for information on burial arrangements.

2. Go through the microfiche of newspapers in the area at the time of your ancestor's death. Check the obituaries as well as the advertisements for cemeteries that were operating at that time.

3. Look in the yellow pages for cemeteries that boast that they've been operating for more than 50 years (or however long ago the burial occurred).

4. Find the books in genealogy libraries that contain listings of all currently operating cemeteries within the continental United States.

5. Check online under "cemeteries." There are more than 4,000 listings of individual cemeteries that have created their own Web pages.

6. Look for land information through the census, property and tax records if your family owned land. Your ancestors may be buried in a small, family cemetery. Also check with the local historical society.

7. Inquire at the cemeteries in the area where your ancestor lived for any records of his or her burial. Check also to see if they took over from an older cemetery with another name. Ask for names of other funeral homes that you can investigate.

8. Request to look at the plat book (a layout of the burial grounds) at the cemetery. If one isn't available, you can create your own map by walking around the cemetery.

9. Ask to see the original documents at the cemetery. Books or surveys made later often contain only limited information.

10. Make gravestone rubbings and take photographs of your ancestor's grave to add tangible proof to your records. Often you'll need to clean the headstone first, so dress accordingly and bring cleaning supplies with you.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that in past centuries, almost all people were buried according to ethnic origin or religious affiliation. Don't waste your time looking in a Presbyterian cemetery for a Catholic ancestor.

on 2/21/2006 When tombstones are badly eroded the lettering is very hard to read. The best and fastest method is a combination of touch, a pencil and photography.

Use a finger to find the indentation of the lettering, and follow closely behind with a sharp pencil to mark the indentations and make the letters more visible. Then photograph the stone. The pencil lines greatly improve legibility of the letters in photos.

Note: I spent 8-10 weeks on one stone. I tried tracings, shaving cream, colored sand, molding with clay, etc. This method works, it doesn't harm the stone, and is very fast.

on 11/22/2005 Please do not do gravestone rubbings. It damages the stone. Please do not attempt to clean gravestones with anything but water,perhaps to remove moss, which will grow back. Plan on taking photos instead.
Please check internet for websites about the care of gravestones. We are the caretakers for the future,if there is to be one for your ancestors gravestone.

on 11/22/2005 Finding a cemetery is one of the most challenging aspects of a genealogical search. But it's also quite rewarding when you find one in which your ancestors are buried.