Session 1:

A Grave Interest: Searching for Clues in the Cemetery

Cemeteries are treasure troves of genealogy records and can hold a wealth of information - if you know where to look. During this session, we’ll focus on several cemetery records to explore including cemetery deeds, plat books, plot maps, and Sexton's files. We’ll also learn the different types of graveyards that exist, whom to contact for help, and how to put it all together. Plus, we'll explore "21 Crypt Clues" to help bring an ancestor’s story to life. Get ready as we discover what clues may be hiding in the cemetery. 

Session 2:

The Silent Language of the Stones: How to Read Gravestone Symbols

Symbols have appeared on tombstones for centuries, but it wasn’t until the mid-1800s that this cryptic language flourished. The Victorians loved a good secret, so they decorated their graves with carvings, symbols, and statues that told a story - about family relationships, military service, occupations, economic status, and social standing. We'll discover what some of these symbols mean, what certain abbreviations stand for, and how to read this "silent language of the stones." 

Session 3:

Forgotten Records of Death

The mention of death records brings to mind burial records, death certificates, and cemetery deeds. But there are additional records that can shed light on our ancestors' demise and lead to future research. In this session, we will explore ten forgotten death records for detailed information about the deceased, and we may gain a fascinating perspective about the lives of our ancestors.