Using the Cemetery for Genealogical Research
Using the cemetery for your genealogical research is something most researchers are familiar with. The information you can get can often be the key to breaking down that brick wall. Here are some tips to help you in this endeavor.
If you have to travel to the cemetery, review the supplies you may need to take at
Genealogy Travel Kit
Once a tombstone is found, write exactly what you see on the stone. This includes abbreviations and “wrong” information. Do not overlook the back of the stone. There are some problems you may encounter as you try to read the tombstones. Some obstacles you may find are
Difference in name spelling
Assuming relationship based on proximity of stones
Moved or misplaced stones
Broken stones
No stone there at all
Worn out stones that are not readable
Leaning stones
Materials used that did not last
“Cleaned-Up” cemetery where markers have been removed
Stone written in foreign language or characters
Numbers easily confused
There are many internet sites that can assist you. The web page for your county or genealogical society may have a cemetery list.
Other sites for your consideration:
USGen Web Cemetery
Tombstones Abbreviations & Symbols
Grave Markers Acronym Page of the International Black Sheep Society of Genealogist
US Geological Survey Database of Map Features
Association for Gravestone Studies
Cemetery Junction
Cyndi’s List of Cemeteries
Worldwide Cemeteries
Symbols & Words
Directory of US Funeral Homes, Obit Search & Cemetery Index
Tomb With A View
International Jewish Cemetery Project
Catholic Cemeteries of St. Louis
I Dream of Genealogy Cemetery Records
Genealogy.com Virtual Cemetery
Obit Central
Civil War Cemeteries
If you have to travel to the cemetery, review the supplies you may need to take at
Genealogy Travel Kit
Once a tombstone is found, write exactly what you see on the stone. This includes abbreviations and “wrong” information. Do not overlook the back of the stone. There are some problems you may encounter as you try to read the tombstones. Some obstacles you may find are
Difference in name spelling
Assuming relationship based on proximity of stones
Moved or misplaced stones
Broken stones
No stone there at all
Worn out stones that are not readable
Leaning stones
Materials used that did not last
“Cleaned-Up” cemetery where markers have been removed
Stone written in foreign language or characters
Numbers easily confused
There are many internet sites that can assist you. The web page for your county or genealogical society may have a cemetery list.
Other sites for your consideration:
USGen Web Cemetery
Tombstones Abbreviations & Symbols
Grave Markers Acronym Page of the International Black Sheep Society of Genealogist
US Geological Survey Database of Map Features
Association for Gravestone Studies
Cemetery Junction
Cyndi’s List of Cemeteries
Worldwide Cemeteries
Symbols & Words
Directory of US Funeral Homes, Obit Search & Cemetery Index
Tomb With A View
International Jewish Cemetery Project
Catholic Cemeteries of St. Louis
I Dream of Genealogy Cemetery Records
Genealogy.com Virtual Cemetery
Obit Central
Civil War Cemeteries
You Should Also Read:
Genealogy Travel Kit
Related Articles
Editor's Picks Articles
Top Ten Articles
Previous Features
Site Map
Content copyright © 2023 by Tina Sansone. All rights reserved.
This content was written by Tina Sansone. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission. Contact Tina Sansone for details.