Cemeteries hold a wealth of information; but before you make your first visit, do your research. The key to conducting successful cemetery research is to know where to begin and what resources are available. You can find an abundance of information online for cemetery locations and types.
Knowing where to begin is the first step. If you know where a family member is buried, research the cemetery to find where it is, what type it is and key people to speak to during your visit. You may need to make appointments to meet with administrators or caretakers. During the meeting, be prepared to ask to obtain copies of records, to find out where the burial plots are located and what other resources may be available in the area. Family plots are often found at cemeteries which may lead you to other family information, such as maiden names, dates and affiliations. Look for phrases such as, “Beloved parents of…” or “Here lies…beloved husband of...” So, if you know one burial point, by asking questions and visiting the site, you may add more pieces to your family history puzzle.
Now, if you don’t know where family is buried, begin your research by looking for cemeteries in the area where family members lived and, more importantly, died. You can also search for funeral or death records for more information from funeral homes, historical societies and government offices. Armed with this information, you can speak to several cemeteries to see if records indicate whether your family is buried there or not. You can also try searching online for USGenWeb Project or WorldGenWeb Project. Both of these sites can give you more information about the cemeteries in the United States and the world.
As you research, you will notice several types of cemeteries. Each type is organized and maintained in different ways. This is also something to keep in mind during your research. One type that differs from most others is the military cemetery. When researching these, you will need to learn more about the military organizational structure and time periods to gain more knowledge about those buried there. These may also be referred to as Veteran’s Cemeteries or Memorial Parks.
With the wide availability of information provided on the internet, you can do much of your research from home without a lot of foot work. Once you have compiled cemetery information, making a visit to particular cemeteries can lead you to finding out even more about your family.
Wherever you are in your family history journey, we wish you the best. You have taken the steps necessary to completing your life story not only for yourself but your family to come.
