How to Find the Burial Places of Your Ancestors

Tracing our roots and understanding where we come from is a compelling journey for many of us. One significant aspect of this journey is finding the resting places of our ancestors. Finding these burial sites can be a deeply emotional experience, offering a tangible link to our family's past. Here's a step-by-step guide to assist you in this endeavor. To search, you can use the online storage of grave records at https://peoplelegacy.com/cemeteries/CA/El_Dorado_County/. 

1. Gather Preliminary Information:

• Start with what you know: Collect family documents, letters, diaries, old photographs, or family Bibles.

• Speak with relatives: Older family members might remember the names of cemeteries or details about family plots.

2. Home Research:

• Family Records: Review funeral cards, obituaries, and death certificates for hints.

• Photo Analysis: Old family photos taken in cemeteries can offer clues. Look for tombstone names, cemetery gates, or unique landmarks.

3. Online Research:

• Genealogy Websites: Websites such as Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, or MyHeritage can provide links to specific burial details.

• Grave Database Sites: FindAGrave.com and BillionGraves.com are valuable resources that list grave sites and sometimes even photos of tombstones.

• Local History and Genealogy Groups: Many have online forums or mailing lists where you can ask questions.

4. Contact Local Sources:

• Cemetery Offices: If you know the cemetery but not the specific location, the office often has maps or records.

• Funeral Homes: They might have records of past services, even if they happened decades ago.

• Churches: Older churches especially may have burial records for adjoining churchyards.

5. Visit Local Archives & Libraries: Historical societies, local libraries, or county courthouses can hold burial records, cemetery plot maps, or even old newspaper obituaries.

6. Field Visit:

• Plan Ahead: If traveling a long distance, ensure the cemetery is accessible, and be aware of visiting hours.

• Document Everything: Take photographs, notes, and maybe even make a rubbing of the gravestone (if allowed and done carefully).

• Be Respectful: Remember, cemeteries are places of reverence. Follow any posted rules and be aware of any ceremonies or funerals taking place.

7. DNA Testing and Networking: Using DNA testing services can connect you with distant relatives who might have additional knowledge or have done their own research on ancestral burial places.

8. Hire a Professional: If you hit a roadblock, consider hiring a professional genealogist who specializes in local research.

9. Understand Cultural Differences: If your ancestors come from different cultural backgrounds, it’s crucial to understand their burial customs. They may not have used traditional grave markers or might be in unmarked graves.

10. Persistence is Key: Finding an ancestor's burial place can sometimes be straightforward, but it can also be a complex puzzle. Remember, every discovery, no matter how small, is a step closer to completing your family's story.

In Conclusion: Finding the burial places of your ancestors can be a rewarding journey. It's a way to bridge the gap between past and present, offering a sense of continuity and connection. While it requires patience and diligence, the emotional and historical insights gained are truly invaluable.