Cemeteries stand as silent witnesses to our collective history, offering an invaluable trove of information that bridges the past and present. These sacred grounds are more than just final resting places; they are rich historic resources that provide profound insights into settlement patterns, historic events, religious practices, and the lifestyles of those who came before us. For genealogists and historians, cemeteries are indispensable, offering clues and connections that help piece together the intricate tapestry of our shared heritage.
From the layout of the graves to the epitaphs and symbols etched on tombstones, every detail in a cemetery can reveal stories of individual lives and broader societal trends. They offer a direct link to our ancestors, enabling us to trace family lineages, understand migration patterns, and uncover personal narratives that have shaped our communities.
All records on FamilySearch are available for free. The records are accessible to to be used without a subscription.
As part of Ancestry.com, Find A Grave records can be easily linked to family trees on Ancestry. These records enhance the useability for genealogical research.
BillionGraves provides precise GPS coordinates for each headstone, making it easier to locate graves exactly within a cemetery.
The Black Cemetery Network connect people and projects working to counter black cemetery erasures.
All records on FamilySearch are available for free. The records are accessible to to be used without a subscription.
A comprehensive repository of genealogical and cemetery records, offering a wide range of burial records, including memorials, birth and death certificates, and even images of gravestones.
Understanding FamilySearch – FindAGrave – BillionGraves – Black Cemetery Network
FamilySearch – Finding Family with the NEW Tool
FindAGrave – The Truth about FindAGrave
BillionGraves – Finding Your Story with BillionGraves
Black Cemetery Network – Dr. Antionette Jackson
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Arlington Cemetery | |
Find A Grave | Notable Graves |
Interment.net Cemetery | |
U.S. Veterans Cemeteries |
This register includes the records for those buried and memorialized at our World War I and World War II overseas military cemeteries, along with those names on the Walls of the Missing at the East Coast Memorial, West Coast Memorial, and Honolulu Memorial. Burial information can also be found for those interred at Corozal American Cemetery and Mexico City National Cemetery. This register does not include individuals who died overseas in World War I or World War II and were repatriated to the United States for burial.
National Parks Service - Cemeteries | |
The Civil War |
Veterans Affair - Cemeteries | |
National Cemetery Administration | Nationwide Gravesite Locator |
Military cemetery records often provide precise birth and death dates, which can confirm or clarify vital statistics. They can include full names, aliases, and relationships to other individuals (such as next of kin), helping to verify family connections.
These records often include details about the individual’s military service, such as rank, unit, and conflicts in which they served. Military burial records can lead to other military documents like pension files, service records, and enlistment papers. These additional documents can contain extensive genealogical data. Information on decorations and honors received can shed light on an ancestor’s experiences and contributions.
Studying headstones and memorial symbols can unlock important genealogical and historical details about ancestors. It’s a practice known as gravestone iconography, which researchers use to piece together family history, cultural backgrounds, and life stories.
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