Genealogy Research Using Cemeteries: Tips and Techniques

Cemeteries are treasure troves for genealogy researchers. Headstones can reveal birth and death dates, family relationships, religious affiliations, military service, and more -- information that may not appear in any other record.

Step 1: Do Your Homework Online First

• Find a Grave -- Largest database of gravesites with millions of entries and GPS coordinates.
• BillionGraves -- GPS-tagged headstone photos.
• FamilySearch -- Free genealogy platform with cemetery records.

Step 2: Identify the Cemetery

Check death certificates, funeral home records, and obituaries. Use our search tool to find cemeteries by location, or browse by state.

Step 3: Prepare for Your Visit

• Camera (phone is fine) for documenting headstones
• Notebook and pen for recording observations
• Soft brush for clearing debris from inscriptions
• Spray bottle with water to make faded text readable
• Mirror or flashlight for side-lighting worn lettering
• Printed map or screenshot of the cemetery layout

Step 4: What to Look For

• Family groupings -- Family members are often buried near each other
• Maiden names -- Inscriptions like "wife of" or "nee" reveal maiden names
• Symbols and motifs -- Indicate religion, fraternal orders, or military service
• Epitaphs -- May reveal occupations, birthplaces, or cause of death
• Footstones -- Sometimes contain initials or additional information

Step 5: Check Cemetery Office Records

Sexton records often contain burial dates, plot locations, next of kin, funeral home used, and sometimes cause of death.