“A to Z Genealogy Tips – Fortnightly Series”

Gravestones hold more than dates—they tell stories of your ancestors’ lives and families.

Cemeteries contain a wealth of historical data.  Headstone and memorial plagues can reveal birth and death dates and/or ages, relationships, and occasionally personal notes. Photograph inscriptions for preservation. Gravestone style, inscribed symbols and materials can hint at social status, religious beliefs, traditions and historical context. If a stone is missing or damaged, burial registers may fill in the gaps.

If you don’t live near the cemetery where your family were buried, cremated or memorialised, then websites like Find A Grave (free) and BillionGraves (some sections free and some sections are subscription) have databases of photographs.  It must be remembered that these sites rely heavily on volunteers, volunteers are vital but not perfect, so always cross reference the information to other sources.

Visit a local cemetery or explore gravestone records online to uncover family connections or consider being a volunteer photographer and uploading your headstone photo’s to help other family researchers finding photo’s of their ancestors gravestones.