However, some cemeteries are on private property and you might be trespassing if you show up without having talked to whoever is in charge.
Some are public and you can visit any time when they are open (usually dawn until dusk). Remember that some cemeteries are public and some are private ? it's important to understand that there is a difference. Start by doing a quick Google search of the name of the cemetery to find out who is in charge and then you might need to make a few phone calls to see the state of the cemetery, if they have any records, and what their rules are. If the cemetery is no longer active, then you will need to find out who is currently in charge of the cemetery. It is also a good idea to contact them, as they will let you know what their rules are for photographing or rubbing the gravestone. You might be surprised by what you'll find. This may not always be the case as with older cemeteries and gravestones, records are often lost or destroyed, but it never hurts to ask. If you find a manager/superintendent, they might be able to quickly check records and give you the information that you are looking for or help you locate a gravestone. There may be one onsite or a nearby church could be running the cemetery. If you are visiting an active cemetery ? one that still has burials occurring ? try contacting or visiting the office of whoever is in charge of the cemetery. For a more exhaustive list of what you should and should not do with gravestones, visit the Association for Gravestone Studies.Ĭontact the Party in Charge of the Cemetery
CEMETERY VS GRAVEYARD PROFESSIONAL
People have been known to chalk the writing, clean the stone with soaps or detergents, and spread shaving cream onto the stone in hopes it will soak it in and make it more visible - these methods might get you what you need but will ultimately harm the grave marker and are not recommended by professional gravers.Īlways remember that these gravestones should and need to be preserved for the families and other genealogists down the road so do your best to keep them safe. Never use untested methods to make the gravestone more readable. Before you do any kind of gravestone rubbing, first check with the group that is in charge of the cemetery or find another method that is safer for the stone to get the information you need. This can often damage the stone, causing chips and deteriorating the grave marker. Many beginners will find a gravestone that they are looking for and the first thing they'll do is rub it so as to get the information onto a piece of paper. Sometimes in all the excitement of finding a grave marker that might have information we need, we forget about the basics ? we want to preserve that marker and information on it, not damage it. These are memorials, places where people come to remember a lost family member. be careful if you move them and put them back leaving everything as you found it.
If there are flowers, coins, photos, etc. Remember not to leave any trash when you leave, and not to disturb what might be at the memorial. A cemetery is a place for families to mourn and visit their loved ones. This really goes without saying, but sometimes we need to be reminded. With these quick tips, you'll be graving' in no time! If you're lucky and find that a gravestone you are looking for is near you, there are some things you'll first need to know before you visit the cemetery. Although not all cemeteries are local to your area, with sites like , distant gravestones are made available to you online. Gravestones can have useful information that could help you break through a brick wall, and grow your family tree.
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