What To Ask The Crypt Keeper – Genealogy Research at Graveyards
Some people have asked me about “gravestone photos”. We got a couple emails on that so I thought it would be helpful to write a
little about the role of graveyards in your genealogy research.
They are critical!
As you get your hands on death certificates or even learn more about where ancestors lived, you’ll be able to consult the local
graveyards to find information on spouses, birth dates, and other family members.
Keep in mind that in many cases, families are buried together (sometimes for several generations). This was more true for our ancestors than it is for us today. People didn’t travel as the do today.
Our past generations tended to live in the same area. This makes graveyards a great resource.
Also remember that many graveyards are denomination specific. Don’t waste time looking for a Catholic ancestor in a Protestant graveyard.
January 7th, 2010 08:16
I have definately found this helpful. I have a whole file in my computer on “Family Tombstones.” It actually helped me get started.