Locating a burial plot can be an emotional and challenging task for many people. Whether searching for a loved one’s final resting place or conducting genealogical research, finding the exact location of a grave is often crucial. Fortunately, several tools and resources are available to assist in this process.

Find a Grave, an online database with millions of cemetery records, offers a valuable starting point for those seeking burial information. This free resource allows users to search by name, location, or cemetery, providing details such as dates of birth and death, cemetery information, and sometimes even photographs of headstones.

For those looking for veterans’ graves, the Nationwide Gravesite Locator provided by the National Cemetery Administration is a useful tool. It covers VA national cemeteries, state veterans cemeteries, and private cemeteries with government-marked graves. When visiting a cemetery in person, contacting the cemetery office or using on-site directories can help pinpoint specific grave locations.

Understanding Burial Plots

Burial plots serve as the final resting place for loved ones. They come in various types and require careful consideration when selecting the right option for a family member.

Types of Burial Plots

Single plots accommodate one casket and are the most common choice. Double-depth plots allow two caskets to be stacked vertically, ideal for couples.

Family plots provide space for multiple family members in a designated area. These often feature a central monument with individual markers.

Cremation plots are smaller and designed for urns. Some cemeteries offer columbarium niches for above-ground urn storage.

Green burial plots support environmentally friendly practices, often without embalming or traditional caskets.

Considerations When Choosing a Plot

Location is crucial when selecting a burial plot. Consider accessibility for future visits and the cemetery’s proximity to family members.

Plot size and orientation can affect monument options and graveside services. Ensure the chosen plot accommodates your preferences.

Cemetery rules may limit decorations or plantings. Review these guidelines before making a decision.

Cost varies widely based on location, plot type, and cemetery prestige. Factor in long-term maintenance fees when budgeting.

Religious or cultural requirements may influence plot selection. Some cemeteries cater to specific faiths or traditions.

Availability can be limited in popular or historic cemeteries. Planning ahead ensures desired options remain open.

Locating a Burial Plot

Finding a loved one’s final resting place can be accomplished through various methods. These include using online resources, navigating cemetery maps, and contacting cemetery offices directly.

Online Burial Plot Locators

Find a Grave is a popular website with over 226 million memorials in 564,000 cemeteries worldwide. It allows users to search for graves and view headstone photos, GPS locations, and other burial information. The site’s database is continuously expanded by a community of volunteers.

Another useful resource is FamilySearch, which provides access to cemetery records and burial information. Users can search for specific individuals or browse cemetery listings. The platform also offers tools to add or view burial locations on interactive maps.

Ancestry.com’s Cemetery Records section can be valuable for genealogical research. It includes links to online cemetery databases and resources like Cyndi’s List, which has a dedicated page for cemeteries and funeral homes.

Using Cemetery Maps

Many cemeteries provide maps to help visitors locate specific burial plots. These maps are often available on the cemetery’s website or at the cemetery office. They typically display sections, rows, and plot numbers.

Some online platforms, like Find a Grave and FamilySearch, offer interactive maps where users can pinpoint exact burial locations. These tools allow contributors to add or update burial information, making it easier for others to find graves.

For older or smaller cemeteries, hand-drawn maps may be the only available resource. In such cases, it’s advisable to contact the cemetery office or local historical society for assistance.

Contacting Cemetery Offices

Cemetery offices are invaluable resources for locating burial plots. They maintain detailed records of interments, including plot locations, dates of burial, and sometimes additional family information.

When contacting a cemetery office, provide as much information as possible about the deceased, such as full name, date of death, and any known family members who might be buried nearby. This helps staff locate the correct records more efficiently.

Some cemeteries offer guided tours or assistance in locating specific graves. For larger cemeteries, staff may provide section and plot numbers to help visitors navigate the grounds. In cases of unmarked graves or mass burial sites, cemetery records may be the only way to confirm a burial location.

Veterans Burial Plot Information

The National Cemetery Administration manages burial sites for veterans and their eligible family members. These cemeteries provide dignified resting places to honor those who served.

VA National Cemeteries

VA national cemeteries are located across the United States and Puerto Rico. These cemeteries offer burial spaces at no cost to eligible veterans and their spouses. Gravesites include perpetual care of the plot.

The VA maintains over 150 national cemeteries. Many are situated near military bases or in areas with large veteran populations. Some of the largest and most well-known include Arlington National Cemetery and Calverton National Cemetery.

VA cemeteries feature uniform headstones or markers. They also provide memorial walls for those whose remains are not available for burial.

Eligibility and Benefits

Veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable are eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery. This includes those who died on active duty.

Spouses and dependent children of eligible veterans may also receive burial benefits. These benefits extend even if they predecease the veteran.

Burial benefits include:

• Gravesite in any national cemetery with available space
• Opening and closing of the grave
• Perpetual care
• Government headstone or marker
• Burial flag
• Presidential Memorial Certificate

Veterans may be eligible for burial in state veterans cemeteries as well. Eligibility criteria can vary by state.

Memorialization Options

Memorialization options provide ways to honor and remember loved ones after their passing. These choices allow families to create lasting tributes that reflect the unique lives and personalities of the deceased.

Choice of Headstones

Headstones serve as permanent markers for burial sites. Traditional options include granite, marble, and bronze. Granite offers durability and a wide range of colors. Marble provides a classic look but may require more maintenance.

Bronze headstones can be flat or raised and often feature custom designs. Sizes vary from small markers to large monuments. Many cemeteries have regulations on headstone dimensions and materials.

Customization options include engraved names, dates, epitaphs, and symbols. Some families choose religious imagery, while others opt for personalized designs reflecting hobbies or interests. Photo engravings are becoming increasingly popular.

Memorial Services

Memorial services offer opportunities for family and friends to gather and commemorate the deceased. These can be held at various locations, including funeral homes, places of worship, or outdoor settings.

Services may incorporate religious or cultural traditions. Some families choose secular ceremonies that focus on celebrating the individual’s life. Music, readings, and eulogies are common elements.

Many opt for personalized touches such as photo displays, memory books, or video tributes. Some services include the release of balloons, butterflies, or doves as symbolic gestures.

Increasingly, families are exploring alternative memorial options. These might include scattering ashes in meaningful locations or creating online memorials for sharing memories and photos.

Documenting Burial Sites

Accurate documentation of burial sites preserves vital information for families and researchers. Proper record-keeping and genealogical research techniques help maintain these important historical details.

Keeping Records for Future Generations

Documenting burial sites involves creating detailed records of grave locations, headstone inscriptions, and plot maps. Families should photograph headstones and document any visible information. Record the exact location using GPS coordinates or cemetery plot numbers.

Maintain digital and physical copies of burial records. Include the deceased’s name, date of birth, date of death, and any additional inscriptions. Note the cemetery name, address, and section where the grave is located.

Create a cemetery plot map if one doesn’t exist. This helps future generations locate specific graves easily. Update records regularly to account for any changes in the cemetery layout or headstone conditions.

Genealogy Research

Burial site documentation is crucial for genealogy research. Cemetery records often provide valuable information about family relationships and lineages. Researchers can use these details to confirm or discover new family connections.

Cross-reference burial records with other genealogical sources like birth certificates, death certificates, and census records. This helps verify information and fill gaps in family histories.

Visit cemeteries to gather firsthand information. Take clear, legible photos of headstones and surrounding areas. Note any symbols or decorations that might provide clues about the deceased’s life or affiliations.

Use online resources like Find a Grave or BillionGraves to access and contribute to burial records. These platforms allow researchers to search for family members and view headstone images from around the world.