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Finding Headstones In Unfamiliar Cemeteries    Published Monthly
Lesson 068...                                                                                                            2021 06 02

Defining The Problem...
Sometimes we feel the need to see a gravestone for information or personal reasons.
We may not have been to the gravesite for many years, or perhaps never at all.

More often than not there is some type of kinship or reverance toward the sought after deceased.
There may not be any living relatives left to remember the burial places location, or it may be distant.

Older cemeteries may be small enough to browse for stones, but modern burial grounds can be huge!
Walking row by row through large acreages of plots can take months for that one day venture.

While an online description may "ID" a family plot, finding it in a large array requires directions.
Most descriptions are usually accurate, but several unforeseen variables sometimes interfere.
Transcription errors like keystrokes or wrong persons also ruin an otherwise simple task.

Combining unpreparedness with large grounds makes searching far more difficult than it needs to be.
While it does occasionally happen on a whim, drive-thru searching should always be a last resort.
An unprepared visit may result in a fortunate find, but if not, it can teach us to be prepared.


How Did That Happen?...
Underestimating the problem and overestimating our ability can each be unproductive.
Over-eagerness and hopefulness can make any of us take a wildcard chance.
Sometimes, a "onetime chance" comes our way when in a new area.

One item not usually prepared for is a cemeterys size--Both in acreage as well as in burial numbers.
Many of us drive by cemetery's without going inside, or we go to very specific graves.
We never seem to grasp that cemetery's still in use will grow in size.

Inexpierience of handling new adventures is not uncommon.
Learning is a building process, but learning how to learn is far more important.
While we avoid going to a cemetery, the tombstones will obviously become more numerous!

Collecting basic information regarding burial spots is like anything else-"It's easy once you know how!"
We all had to learn how it's done at some point, and used whichever means worked.
Whether anyone was there to help guide us affected how long it took.


What Can Be Done To Fix This?...
First is to not let ourselves become overwhelmed, no matter how big the cemetery is.
While 60,000 plots may seem daunting at first, we must break it down into manageable areas.

Good prep work is essential. At a minimum, we must be very certain that we have the right cemetery.
As always, check with family elders. But verify online before you go. Either one can be wrong.
For distant cemeterys, allow extra travel time. Bring a snack or picnic meal!

The cemetery visit should come only after enough research is done to know what you're looking for.
Several websites have headstone photos or transcriptions listed for both new and old grounds.
A few cemeterys have online search. They're worth checking if the mega-sites don't work.

Thankfully, at some point most cemeterys started becoming better organized (For business purposes).
Usually the burials are limited to specific areas of the cemetery by a set of general dates.
This is not a guarantee, as family plots can have several generations.

Gather enough information just as you would in order to describe it in your records.
Thoroughness is almost unbeatable. Improving current data is likely the reason for going.
If collecting new photos, improve things for everyone with GPS and background telltale-signs.


Where Can We Find The Necessary Data?...
Firsthand info is always best. Whenever possible, talk  to a relative that's familiar with the burial spot.
Nearly equal to that is the internet and its websites that specialize in burials by name.
The listing hopefully has both photo and burial information.

Save the webpage to your phones favorites, and also print a copy in case cell service is bad.
Cemetery streets are "usually" named in logical sequence of some type of a pattern.
These can be used to help narrow the focus toward the proper area.

Printed maps can be helpful in any unfamiliar areas. ---- And it doesn't matter if it's yours or theirs!
Obviously the best case would be a plot map, but if that's unavailable, print a satellite map.
Very few cemeterys have pre-printed, webpage or info board maps available.

A cellphone w/camera is a basic necessity for genealogy fieldwork. If you don't have one-Get one!  
If you have no service or anticipate a poor coverage area, save tombstone images to it.
The images foreground and background will likely be your biggest help!


What Did We Learn From This?...
Visiting a previously unknown cemetery or gravestone requires a rational degree of planning.
Any unknown information we had to look up should be brought as a tangible copy!

Cemeterys will usually have inherantly older and newer sections.
Looking for obvious section types first may significantly lessen any search times.
This should be used in conjunction with other data or as a last resort for "walking searches".

Cemetery streetnames while not guaranteed, will usually follow a pattern.
Use the patterns to help dwindle the search area for the proper streetname set.
Some streets or areas may be extremely large, and possibly improperly or poorly marked.

Barring any cemetery plot maps, satelite maps and tombstone photos may be the best help.
Bring printed copies or images saved to your cellphone to the cemetery with you.
Be ready for unexpected/opportune visits by pre-stocking your phone.

A cell phone is easily considered a genealogy tool. Prep it with the right apps and service if affordable.
Most apps are free and help you collect and save data for transferring to your software later.
Consider a second/inexpensive cellphone for dedicated use to genealogy.


The Basic Rules...
First...
Research the burial place to your fullest ability including plot ID, map and photo.
Plan for travel, meal and any other extra time needs.

Second...
Prep your cell phone with the proper apps beforehand so the tools are ready.
Cell phone tools are ready whether the visit is planned or random.

Third...
Be forward thinking: Record and save both standard an GPS photo images.
Keep the burial locations available for yoursel as well as others in the future.



As always...
What you'll choose to do with this information is up to you.
It will at least serve as a stepping stone for further knowledge.
You should be applauded for your willingness to educate yourself.

These are only basic guidelines, and can always be adjusted to suit your personal needs or budget.
Hopefully the knowledge gained here will help you to be better positioned as a family historian!

      Happy searches!!

        Massachusetts

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