Hang out at a Cemetery?

You can find so much information on a visit to a cemetery. Some folks like to plan their vacations around checking out cemeteries for birth and death dates.

You may want to pack a lunch and have a picnic surrounded by your ancestors. Let your kids see how special this can be, not morbid at all.

Once again I suggest having a tote bag already packed for the occasion.  Make sure this tote bag is a bright color- just not green or brown.  Why? You will probably get so distracted as you go from grave marker to grave marker that you will leave your tote bag somewhere and if it is brightly colored it will  be easier to find.

Another suggestion is to have it waterproof so the contents will be protected if the ground it wet or snowy.

• notepad, pens and pencils
• research notebook with pedigree charts and family group sheets
• apron with pockets for carrying items as you go from tombstone to tombstone
• knee pads like you use in the garden- I always have to kneel down closer to see something on the tombstone
• garden shears to cut away overgrown grass
• little whisk broom to remove dirt and grass
• sunscreen- you will always end up staying out there longer than you planned
• bug repellent
• wet wipes- to wash your dirty hands before you eat
• digital camera
• spray bottle with water- you might need to wet the stone a bit to make the image show better for photographing

Gravestones are historical artifact. Don't do anything to harm them, and don't try to clean them.

Don't forget to take your camera!