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Visiting a cemetery is common for genealogists seeking information about their ancestors - what can you find there?
In a previous article, we explained to you how to know in which cemeteries your ancestors are buried. These visits can help you find various information - here is a non-exhaustive list of key information to gather during your cemetery visits:
- The full name : this is obvious, but don't forget to record possible variations of the name.
- Birth and death dates : these dates are essential to establish the precise chronology of your ancestor's life.
- The place of birth and deathThe place of birth and death : sometimes gravestones indicate these details - precious elements for genealogy.
- The epitaph : all the inscriptions on the gravestone are useful as they can give you information about the life, personality, and relationships of your ancestor.
- Family relationships : note the names of family members buried in the same plot or nearby. Then try to identify the family relationships.
- Military information : if your ancestor served in the armed forces, look for military symbols or inscriptions on the gravestone.
- Information about clubs or organizations : some graves may indicate membership in clubs, associations, or fraternal organizations.
- Religious or cultural symbols : these symbols can give you clues about the person's faith or ethnic origins.
- The exact location : note the exact location of the grave in the cemetery to make it easier for you to return if needed. If you have a GPS device, take the GPS coordinates of the grave for precise location.
- Take photographs : take several photos of the gravestone to visually document the information you have collected.
Obviously, it is important to note all the information you can detect on a grave, in addition to this list (condition, specific mentions...).
📌 You can also use our Cemetery Research Sheet, available for free in .pdf format.
Happy researching!