PLANNING FOR A TRIP TO THE CEMETERY

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By Juliana Smith 04 May 2011

 

While winter seems to be trying desperately to retain its hold on the northern hemisphere, the daffodils are in bloom and plants are reaching out to greet the spring sun. All around us nature is celebrating the renewal of life. Windows are thrust open to welcome spring breezes and families and their pets take to the sidewalks to enjoy the occasional warm day.

Family historians respond to spring in their own way—by flocking to cemeteries. Seem odd? Well, seasoned family historians know that there’s a wealth of information to be found in cemeteries.

Go PreparedWhen it comes to cemetery visits, the Scouting motto, “Be prepared” really comes in handy. While you might feel like you’re packing for a trip to the top of Mt. Everest, the supplies you bring may well determine the success of your trip. Here are some items to consider:

> A spray bottle with water. Wetting tombstones can make them more readable.

> A mirror. Use the mirror to reflect sunshine and throw shadows off inscriptions. Foil-covered flat surfaces are less breakable and can also help when mirrors aren’t available.

> Camera. Digital cameras are great for capturing photos of tombstones because you can see in real time whether you’ve captured the image you want. Take high-resolution photographs so you have good-quality images and you may be able to enhance them further with photo editing software. Be sure to also bring plenty of memory and extra batteries.

> Grass clippers. You’ll need these to trim away grass that has grown over the gravestone.

> Soft brush. Paint brushes work well to brush loose dirt off without harming fragile stones.

> Foam kneeling pad used for gardening. You may want to kneel or even lie down while taking eye-level shots of smaller stones.

> Rubbing supplies. You may also want to bring wax, paper, and masking tape if you plan on doing any tombstone rubbings. However, be sure to check with the cemetery office first. Some cemeteries prohibit rubbings because they can harm fragile stones. You don’t want to end your first cemetery trip with a trip to the hoosegow!

Remember to use non-invasive methods when it comes to reading tombstones. Shaving cream and chemical solvents are a no-no because they can harm the stone. The Association of Gravestone Studies has a great list of “Cemetery Dos and Don’ts” on its website.

Be SafeWhile we might think of cemeteries as a peaceful refuge, they can also be dangerous, so grab a friend or gather a group from a local society—the more the merrier. Criminals sometimes target cars in cemetery parking lots, so don’t leave purses and other valuables in the car and never wander a seemingly empty cemetery alone.

In addition, cemeteries are home to biting insects, snakes, ticks, and other not-so-nice residents, so dress appropriately with sensible shoes and long pants, and bring a first aid kit to take care of minor injuries. Fully charged cell-phones are also a must.

Non-family historians may shake their heads a bit and wonder about our fascination with cemeteries and think it a bit morbid. What they don’t realize is that visiting cemeteries is our way of celebrating the lives of our ancestors and that through our research they too find new life, making it a perfect fit with spring.