Discovering Your Past

Welcome back to this installment of the 22 Steps in Researching Your Family Tree!

“I tried to look up my ancestors in the online cemetery records, but it kept giving me grave errors.”

As a genealogist, there are numerous resources available online to help you uncover your family history and we all want to uncover as much information as we can about our ancestors. One such resource is online cemetery records. Genealogy is a fascinating hobby that allows us to uncover the stories of our ancestors, and tracing our family tree is a rewarding experience that can provide us with a sense of identity and belonging. One of the most important steps in genealogy research is checking out online cemetery records and visiting them, recording and taking photographs of your findings. In this article, we will discuss the importance of online cemetery records and how to make the most of your visit to the cemetery.

Online cemetery records can provide valuable information about your ancestors, including their birth and death dates, burial location, and even information about their spouse and other family members. One of the most popular websites for cemetery research is FindAGrave.com, which allows users to search for specific cemeteries and provides detailed information about the people buried there. Other websites, such as billiongraves.com and Interment.net, also provide valuable information and are worth checking out.

Once you have located the cemetery where your ancestor is buried, it is important to visit the site in person. This can be a rewarding experience as it allows you to see the headstone or marker of your ancestor and gain a deeper understanding of their life and legacy. While at the cemetery, it is important to be accurate and record exactly what is on the headstone, including names, dates, spouse’s name, inscriptions, and any symbols or designs.

Taking photographs or videos of the headstone is also a good idea as this will provide valuable documentation for your records. It is also a good idea to check the sexton’s records, which may include burial registers, plat maps, and plot records. The sexton is the caretaker of the cemetery and may be able to help you in your search and lead you to other relatives.

Benefits of using online cemetery records

Online cemetery records are a valuable resource for genealogists for several reasons. First, they can provide you with information about your ancestors that you might not be able to find elsewhere. For example, burial records often include the names of the deceased person’s parents, as well as the names of their spouse and children. This information can be helpful in linking together different branches of your family tree.

One of the benefits of visiting the cemetery in person is that nearby gravestones may lead you to other members of the family or distant relatives, as relatives were typically buried close to one another. It is also a good idea to visit the parish church or cemetery to do your fact-finding, as this can provide additional information and help you gain a deeper understanding of your ancestor’s life.

Additionally, online cemetery records can be a valuable source of historical information. Many cemeteries have been in operation for centuries, and the headstones and grave markers can provide valuable insights into the lives of your ancestors. For example, you might find information about their occupation, their military service, or their religious affiliation.

Advantages Using Online Cemetery Records

As a genealogist, there are numerous advantages to checking out online cemetery records and visiting the cemetery where your ancestors are buried. These advantages include:

1. Access to valuable historical information: Online cemetery records can provide a wealth of information, including birth and death dates, burial places, and even the names of other family members buried nearby. This information can help you piece together your family tree and gain a better understanding of your family’s history.
2. Verification of family relationships: By visiting the cemetery and recording information from the headstones, you can verify family relationships and confirm information you’ve found in other records. This can help you avoid mistakes and ensure that your family tree is as accurate as possible.
3. Preservation of family history: By recording and photographing your findings, you’re helping to preserve your family’s history for future generations. This can be especially important if the cemetery or headstones deteriorate over time.
4. Connecting with your ancestors: There’s something powerful about standing at the graveside of your ancestors and feeling a connection to the past. By visiting the cemetery, you can gain a deeper appreciation for your family’s history and feel a sense of connection to those who came before you.
5. Finding new leads: Sometimes, visiting a cemetery can lead to new discoveries and insights. You may find nearby graves that lead you to other family members or distant relatives, or you may uncover clues that lead you to new records or sources of information.

Overall, checking out online cemetery records and visiting the cemetery where your ancestors are buried can be a valuable part of your genealogy research. By recording and photographing your findings, you can gain new insights into your family’s history and preserve that history for future generations. So why not take the time to visit your ancestors’ graves and see what you can discover?

Abraham’s Story

Abraham has been working diligently on his genealogy research and has made it to Step 17 – Check out online cemetery records and visit them, record and take photographs of your findings. Abraham was excited to try this step as he had heard that cemetery records can hold a wealth of information about his ancestors.

Abraham started his search by using the FindAGrave website, where he was able to search for specific cemeteries and find his ancestors’ burial locations. He was pleasantly surprised to find that some of his ancestors had headstone photos and even some biographical information on their memorial pages.

After gathering some information online, Abraham decided to take a trip to the cemetery where his great-grandparents were buried. He made sure to research the cemetery’s hours of operation and location ahead of time and brought a notebook and camera with him to record his findings.

When he arrived at the cemetery, Abraham took a moment to appreciate the peaceful surroundings and paid his respects to his ancestors. He then began to take notes and photographs of the headstones, making sure to document any inscriptions or symbols that could provide clues about his ancestors’ lives.

Abraham also visited the cemetery office and spoke to the sexton, who was able to provide him with additional information about his ancestors’ burial locations and plot records. Abraham was grateful for the sexton’s help and was able to fill in some missing pieces of information in his family tree.

Overall, Abraham found Step 17 to be a rewarding and informative experience. He was able to gather valuable information about his ancestors and pay his respects to those who came before him. He plans to continue his cemetery research and hopes to uncover even more genealogical gems in the future.

Your Cemetery Visit

Before visiting a cemetery to search for your ancestors, it’s important to prepare and plan ahead. Here’s a checklist of things to consider and tasks to complete before you make your cemetery visit:

1. Research the cemetery: Determine the cemetery’s location, hours of operation, and any restrictions or regulations that may be in place. You may also want to find out if there is a sexton or caretaker who can provide additional information about the cemetery and its records.
2. Identify your ancestors’ burial location: Use online cemetery records, family records, and other sources to pinpoint the location of your ancestors’ graves. If possible, obtain a plot map or other records from the cemetery or sexton.
3. Plan your visit: Choose a day and time that works for you, taking into account the cemetery’s hours of operation and any weather or seasonal considerations. Consider bringing a companion for safety and assistance.
4. Bring the right equipment: Depending on the size and layout of the cemetery, you may need to bring a map, compass, or GPS device to help you navigate. Bring a notebook or recording device to take notes, and a camera or smartphone to photograph headstones and other records.
5. Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and clothing that is appropriate for the weather and terrain. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and other necessary items for your comfort.
6. Contact the cemetery: If you have specific questions or need assistance locating your ancestors’ graves, consider contacting the cemetery or sexton ahead of time. They may be able to provide additional information or guidance.
7. Respect the cemetery and its rules: Remember that cemeteries are sacred spaces and should be treated with respect. Follow any rules or regulations posted at the cemetery, and be mindful of other visitors and their privacy.

By completing these tasks and preparing ahead of time, you can make the most of your cemetery visit and increase your chances of finding valuable information about your ancestors.

In conclusion, Step 17 of genealogy search strategies, which is to check out online cemetery records and visit them, record and take photographs of your findings, is a critical step in genealogy research. It can provide you with a wealth of valuable information about your ancestors, including birth and death dates, burial locations, family connections, and other historical details. By visiting the cemetery, you can also see firsthand the headstones and markers that provide a tangible link to your family’s past.

Moreover, by carefully documenting and photographing your findings, you create a record that can be shared with others in your family, both now and in the future. This step is an important one that can help you to build a more complete and accurate family tree.

Now, as we move on to Step 18, we will be going to locations where your ancestors came from. This step can be exciting and rewarding as it allows you to walk in the footsteps of your ancestors and experience the places they called home. By visiting the towns, cities, and villages where your ancestors lived, you can gain a deeper understanding of their lives, their culture, and their history.

Stay tuned for more tips and strategies to help you in your genealogy research journey. With each step, you are getting closer to uncovering the rich and fascinating history of your family.

Be sure to check out Step 18 in the Discovering Your Past blog series to continue your journey into your family’s history!

Websites for Online Cemetery Records:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/
• BillionGraves: https://billiongraves.com/
• Interment.net: https://www.interment.net/
• Vital Records | National Archives US: https://www.archives.gov/research/vital-records
• Family Search – United States Death Records: https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/United_States_Death_Records
• Cyndi’s List Death Records: https://www.cyndislist.com/death/
• Ancestor Search: https://www.ancestorsearch.co.uk/cemetery-records.html
• Ontario Cemetery Finding Aid: https://ocfa.islandnet.com/
• Online Death Indexes and Records for Canada: https://www.deathindexes.com/
  • Download Handout Below

MyHeritage Adds 19 Million Historical Records in February In February 2023, we added 19 million records from 15 historical record collections from the U.S., the U.K., and Scotland. The collections include birth, marriage, death, obituary, voter registrations, passenger, and prison records. Learn more »

Check This Out From MyHeritage

Free Irish Records for St. Patrick’s Day Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by exploring your Irish roots with free Irish records on MyHeritage! From March 14–17, 2023, you’ll be able to search and view all records from Ireland for free. Learn more »

NOTE:

In closing this blog post, I hope that the blog series has been beneficial to you about learning more about genealogy and how to trace your family history. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback on the series or would like to suggest any improvements, please don’t hesitate to send me a message or email. I value your input and appreciate your support in helping me to create more helpful and informative content for aspiring genealogists. Thank you for following along on this journey, and I wish you the best of luck in your own genealogical research.

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Welcome back to this installment of the 22 Steps in Researching Your Family Tree!

“Why did the genealogist get kicked out of the funeral home?”

They were trying to dig up too much information!

You can also listen or download this episode!

Finding Funeral Home Records

Step 16 in the Discovering Your Past blog series is all about checking out funeral home records. Funeral home records can be a valuable resource for genealogy researchers, as they often contain information about the deceased, their family members, and other details about their lives.

Funeral home records can include a variety of information, such as the date and location of the funeral, the name and address of the funeral home, the name and age of the deceased, the names of family members and other relatives, and the cause of death. In some cases, funeral home records may also include photographs, obituaries, and other documents.

So, how can you access funeral home records for your genealogy research? Here are some tips to get started:

1. Research funeral homes in the area where your ancestors lived. Funeral home records are typically held by the funeral home that conducted the funeral. Use online directories and local historical societies to identify funeral homes that were in operation during the time period you are researching.
2. Contact funeral homes directly. Once you have identified a funeral home that may have relevant records, contact them to inquire about their record-keeping practices and to ask about the availability of records for the time period you are interested in. Be sure to explain your research goals and to ask about any fees associated with accessing records.
3. Check online databases. Some funeral homes have made their records available online through genealogy websites and other databases. Be sure to check these resources to see if any relevant records are available.
4. Consider hiring a professional genealogist. If you are having difficulty accessing funeral home records or need help interpreting the information contained within them, consider hiring a professional genealogist who specializes in funeral home research.

Tips for Step 16

Here are ten websites where you can search for funeral home records to aid in your genealogy research:

1. Ancestry.com – Ancestry offers access to a variety of funeral home records through their website, including obituaries, funeral home directories, and more.
2. FamilySearch.org – FamilySearch offers a collection of funeral home records, including obituaries and other information about the deceased and their families.
3. FindAGrave.com – FindAGrave offers a searchable database of cemetery records, which can include information about the funeral home that conducted the burial.
4. FuneralNet.com – FuneralNet offers access to obituaries and other funeral home records through their website.
5. Legacy.com – Legacy offers a searchable database of obituaries, which may include information about the funeral home that conducted the funeral.
6. ObitsArchive.com – ObitsArchive offers access to a large collection of obituaries and other funeral home records.
7. FuneralOne.com – FuneralOne provides funeral home software and services, and also offers access to obituaries and other funeral home records through their website.
8. Tributes.com – Tributes offers a searchable database of obituaries and other funeral home records.
9. GenealogyBank.com – GenealogyBank offers a collection of obituaries and other funeral home records, which can be searched by name, location, and other criteria.
10. ObituariesHelp.org – ObituariesHelp provides information and resources for finding and interpreting obituaries and other funeral home records.

Remember, not all funeral home records may be available online, so be sure to also check with local funeral homes and historical societies in the area where your ancestors lived.

Henry’s Story

Henry had always been fascinated with his family history. He spent hours pouring over old family photos and documents, trying to piece together his ancestors’ lives. One day, he stumbled upon the Discovering Your Past blog series and was excited to find new resources to help him in his genealogy research.

He followed the blog’s advice and started with Step 16 – checking out funeral home records. Henry knew that his great-grandfather had passed away in the 1920s, so he began researching funeral homes in the area where his great-grandfather had lived.

After some searching, Henry found a funeral home that had been in operation during the time period he was interested in. He contacted them and was delighted to find out that they still had records from that era. The funeral home sent him the information he had requested, which included his great-grandfather’s obituary and information about his family members.

Excited by the information he had discovered, Henry continued his research by using some of the websites suggested in the blog post. He found Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org particularly helpful, as they both had extensive collections of funeral home records.

Henry was able to piece together more information about his great-grandfather’s life, including details about his occupation, where he had lived, and the cause of his death. He even discovered some long-lost relatives he never knew existed.

Henry was grateful for the Discovering Your Past blog series and its advice on checking out funeral home records. He had found a valuable resource for his genealogy research and was excited to continue his journey into his family’s history.

In summary, funeral home records can be a valuable resource for genealogy researchers. By following these tips, you can gain access to these records and learn more about the lives of your ancestors.

In conclusion, Step 16 of the Discovering Your Past blog series highlights the importance of checking out funeral home records as a valuable resource for genealogy researchers. These records can provide information about the deceased, their family members, and other details about their lives, including photographs, obituaries, and other documents. The article provides useful tips for accessing funeral home records, including researching funeral homes in the area, contacting funeral homes directly, checking online databases, and considering hiring a professional genealogist. Additionally, the article lists ten websites where funeral home records can be searched to aid in genealogy research. By utilizing these resources and following the tips provided, genealogy researchers can gain access to these records and learn more about their ancestors’ lives.

Be sure to check out Step 17 in the Discovering Your Past blog series to continue your journey into your family’s history!

You can also listen or download this episode!

NOTE:

In closing this blog post, I hope that the blog series has been beneficial to you about learning more about genealogy and how to trace your family history. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback on the series or would like to suggest any improvements, please don’t hesitate to send me a message or email. I value your input and appreciate your support in helping me to create more helpful and informative content for aspiring genealogists. Thank you for following along on this journey, and I wish you the best of luck in your own genealogical research.

Sign Up Today to get new content delivered directly to your inbox.

Welcome back to this installment of the 22 Steps in Researching Your Family Tree!

“What do you call a genealogist who can’t climb trees?”

A root digger.

Stay Up-to-Date on Genealogy News and Research Tips

As you continue to research your family tree, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest genealogy news and research tips. One way to do this is by subscribing to a free newsletter or blog.

There are many newsletters and blogs that are specifically geared towards genealogy research, and subscribing to one (or several!) can provide you with valuable insights and information. Here are some reasons why subscribing to a free newsletter or blog can benefit your research:

1. Keep up with the latest genealogy news: Genealogy research is constantly evolving, and new information is constantly being discovered. By subscribing to a newsletter or blog, you can stay informed about the latest news in the genealogy world.
2. Learn research tips and techniques: Genealogy research can be a challenging and time-consuming task. A newsletter or blog can provide you with tips and techniques to make your research more efficient and effective.
3. Discover new resources: There are countless resources available for genealogy research, and it can be difficult to keep track of them all. A newsletter or blog can introduce you to new resources that you may not have otherwise known about.
4. Connect with other researchers: Subscribing to a newsletter or blog can connect you with other researchers who share your interests. You may discover new research opportunities or find a community of researchers who can provide support and guidance.

Here are some popular genealogy newsletters and blogs that you may want to consider subscribing to:

1. FamilySearch Blog: This blog provides tips and insights on genealogy research, as well as updates on new resources and collections available on FamilySearch.org.
2. Ancestry Blog: Ancestry.com’s blog covers a wide range of topics related to genealogy research, from DNA testing to historical records.
3. Genealogy Gems: This podcast and blog provides research tips and techniques, as well as interviews with genealogy experts.
4. MyHeritage Blog: MyHeritage.com’s blog covers a range of topics, including DNA testing, historical records, and research tips.
5. The Genealogy Guys: This podcast and blog covers a range of genealogy topics, from research techniques to software and technology.

By subscribing to a free newsletter or blog, you can stay informed and connected in the genealogy community. It’s a simple and easy way to enhance your research and discover more about your family’s history.

Linda’s Story

Linda had always been curious about her family’s history. She had heard stories from her parents and grandparents, but she wanted to know more. So she started researching her family tree, using online resources and visiting local archives.

As she continued her research, she realized that there was so much to learn about genealogy. There were new techniques and resources being discovered all the time, and it was hard to keep up with everything. That’s when she remembered Step 15 of the ‘Discovering Your Past’ blog series: subscribe to a free newsletter or blog.

Linda decided to take this advice and subscribed to a few genealogy newsletters and blogs that aligned with her research interests. She started receiving regular updates and insights on the latest genealogy news and research tips. She was excited to learn about new resources she hadn’t known about before.

One day, she received an email from one of the newsletters she subscribed to, announcing a local genealogy conference. Linda had never attended a genealogy conference before, but she decided to go. It was at the conference that Linda discovered a community of researchers who shared her passion for genealogy. She was able to connect with other researchers, learn new research techniques, and even discover new resources.

Linda found the tips and tricks in Step 15 of the ‘Discovering Your Past’ blog series to be particularly helpful. She scheduled time each week to read her subscriptions and even saved useful articles and tips for future reference. She also engaged with the community through comments and social media, sharing her own insights and experiences.

Through her subscriptions and community connections, Linda was able to enhance her research and discover more about her family’s history. She was grateful for the advice in the ‘Discovering Your Past’ blog series and would recommend it to anyone starting their own genealogy journey.

5 Tips for ‘Step 15

Subscribing to a free newsletter or blog can be a great way to stay informed about the latest genealogy news and research tips. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your subscription:

1. Choose newsletters or blogs that align with your research interests: There are many genealogy newsletters and blogs available, so it’s important to choose ones that align with your research interests. For example, if you’re interested in DNA testing, look for newsletters or blogs that focus on this topic.
2. Set aside time to read the newsletter or blog: It’s important to set aside time to read the newsletter or blog so that you don’t miss any important updates or tips. Consider scheduling a specific time each week to read and catch up on your subscriptions.
3. Save useful articles or tips: If you come across an article or tip that you find particularly useful, save it for future reference. You can create a bookmark folder in your browser or save articles to a file on your computer.
4. Engage with the community: Many newsletters or blogs have a community of readers who engage with each other through comments or social media. Take advantage of these opportunities to connect with other researchers and share your own insights and experiences.
5. Don’t be afraid to unsubscribe: If you find that a newsletter or blog is no longer relevant to your research interests or is overwhelming you with too much information, don’t be afraid to unsubscribe. Your time is valuable, and it’s important to focus on resources that will benefit your research.

By following these tips and tricks, you can make the most of your subscription to a free newsletter or blog and stay informed about the latest genealogy news and research tips.

In conclusion, subscribing to a free newsletter or blog can provide valuable information and updates on genealogy research, as well as offer tips and tricks from experienced researchers. By staying up to date with the latest news and developments in the field, you can enhance your research skills and make new discoveries about your family history.

Moving on to Step 16, checking out funeral home records can be an excellent resource for genealogists. These records can provide information about deceased individuals and their families, as well as shed light on the funeral industry in general. Stay tuned for our tips on how to access and make the most of funeral home records in your genealogy research.

NOTE:

In closing this blog post, I hope that the blog series has been beneficial to you about learning more about genealogy and how to trace your family history. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback on the series or would like to suggest any improvements, please don’t hesitate to send me a message or email. I value your input and appreciate your support in helping me to create more helpful and informative content for aspiring genealogists. Thank you for following along on this journey, and I wish you the best of luck in your own genealogical research.

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