Cemeteries can be a fascinating part of genealogical research, offering valuable insights and connections to our ancestors. While my fascination with cemeteries might seem unusual to some, I’ve found that carefully documenting my visits has been invaluable. Here’s how I approach cemetery research to make the most of every visit.
1. Document the Cemetery Entrance
One crucial step I often forget is photographing the cemetery entrance and name. Early in my research, I skipped this, resulting in numerous photos of headstones without knowing which cemetery they belonged to. To avoid this, I now make it a habit to capture the entrance and name as soon as I arrive. This helps me remember the location later and connect my photos to the right place.
Tip: For better recall, take a wide shot of the entrance and include any distinctive features, like a wrought-iron gate or unique sign. This visual reference is invaluable when reviewing your photos later.
2. Capture Full Tombstones (All Sides!)
When photographing tombstones, I always take pictures of the entire stone, including all sides. Focusing solely on the front might cause you to miss important details. For instance, I discovered that one ancestor’s wife was mentioned on the side of his tombstone—information I would have overlooked if I hadn’t checked the sides.
Tip: If the tombstone is large or has multiple inscriptions, consider taking multiple photos from different angles to ensure you capture all the details clearly.
3. Close-Up Details
Often, the fine details of a tombstone aren’t visible in a full-shot photograph. To address this, I take close-up shots of the inscriptions. Multiple close-ups from different angles can help reveal obscured details, especially if the lighting creates shadows or glare.
Tip: If you encounter difficult-to-read inscriptions, run your finger gently over the engraving to help differentiate between similar characters, like 8 and 6 or C and E. Note these observations in your Genealogy Notebook to avoid second-guessing later.
4. Examine the Surrounding Area
Understanding the surrounding area can provide context about your ancestor’s resting place. Look for neighboring graves and note any familiar names or unique markers. This helps you recognize potential relatives or significant details that could aid your research.
Tip: Take a photo of the tombstone from various vantage points, including shots that capture the layout of the cemetery. This can be useful for locating the grave in the future or providing context to others who may visit the site.
5. Document Family Plots
Many cemeteries feature family plots where multiple relatives are buried together. These plots can provide clues about family connections and burial practices. Always photograph each tombstone within a family plot, as these can reveal additional information about family relationships.
Tip: Look for any markers or inscriptions that indicate familial relationships and include these in your photo log.
6. Explore the Entire Cemetery
Even if there’s no designated family plot, take time to explore the entire cemetery. Look for other graves with familiar surnames and take photos of their locations. This can be especially useful in rural areas where surnames may be more common.
Tip: If time permits, photograph any tombstones with surnames you recognize. While they may not be directly related, they could become relevant as your research progresses.
7. Capture Anything of Interest
Your personal connection to the research matters, so don’t hesitate to photograph anything that stands out to you. Whether it’s the setting of a small, rural cemetery or a humorous detail, these images can add a unique perspective to your family history.
Tip: Remember, you can always review and delete photos later if they don’t fit your research needs. But having them on hand ensures you capture every possible detail that might be useful.
Photographing cemeteries is an essential part of genealogical research. By documenting the entrance, full tombstones, close-up details, surrounding areas, family plots, and any points of interest, you ensure a thorough and organized approach to capturing your ancestral history.
Happy researching, and may your cemetery visits be both enlightening and rewarding!