It is not unusual for genealogists to get excited about visiting a graveyard or cemetery. One way to get a confirmation about the birth or death date of an ancestor is to read it off of his or her tombstone. There is the possibility that you will discover information about ancestors you were not aware of on your visit. Your ancestors may have buried husbands and wives next to each other, or within the same plot. There may be more relatives resting nearby. A graveyard can be a very helpful resource for your genealogy research. Before you rush off to visit a cemetery or graveyard, there are some things you need to know.
Here are a few “common sense” tips about visiting graveyards:
Graveyards are places where living relatives visit their loved ones who have passed on. You may encounter people who are grieving a recent loss. Out of respect for other people, and respect for the dead, keep your excitement about finding confirmation of a name, date, or mysterious ancestor in check.
Find out who owns the land that the graveyard is located on. It is wise to get permission to visit before you arrive. If the cemetery is owned by a county, state government, or the federal government, there may be rules about what times and days people are allowed to visit. You may need to sign in at an office when you arrive, and sign out when you are ready to leave. Ask where you are allowed to park your car. Disobeying these kinds of rules can potentially get you into a lot of trouble. If the graveyard is located on personal property, ask permission from the owner before you go. Avoid trespassing.
Dress properly. Unlike most of your genealogy research, which takes place indoors, visiting a graveyard is going to require you to go outside. Wear long sleeves and long pants to protect your skin from the sun, and also from insect bites. If it is a sunny day, wear a hat with a wide brim, and use sunscreen. Make sure your shoes are appropriate to walk on grass and gravel, and that your shoes will protect your feet. Leave your high heels and sandals at home. If it is cold, make sure that the clothing you are wearing will protect you from the cold.
Avoid causing damage to the gravestones. Some people feel that creating a gravestone rubbing can damage the gravestone itself, if the rubbing is not done properly. Take the time to learn how to do it the right way, if you feel the need to try this method of gathering information. A safer alternative is to bring a good camera with you, and to take several photographs.
Image by Beverly & Pack on Flickr