The weather is finally warm; sunny. Covid restrictions are lifting in many places so everyone is wanting to get out. And the best place to head this summer? Cemeteries! Do some research. Clean some headstones. Visit some ancestors. Get some sun. But are you prepared?
Preparation is necessary. You are heading into unknown areas to do some important research. You gotta know where you are going, what the weather will potentially be like, and make sure you have everything you need. Here are some tips on items you need to have or things you need to do before you head out this summer. Now, this list is not all-inclusive, but just some things you need to consider.
Before you go
1) Pack Your Cemetery Bag
Do you have a cemetery bag? You should really get one. They don't have to be fancy, but just practical. Me personally, I am using a bag I've had for years. It's an old diaper bag backpack from JuJuBe. What I love about it is it's waterproof and machine washable. So if this bag gets filthy, I can just wash it up. I also love all the different compartments. Everyone has their own collection of items they like to bring to the cemetery, but here are some things you need to make sure you have.
- Soft Brush (for cleaning headstones)
- Spray bottle with water for cleaning
- First Aid Kit
- Clippers
- Keeling pad (The changing pad from my diaper bag works great)
- Mirror or Foil to reflect the light on the headstone
- Flashlight
- Sanitized Hand Wipes and Hand Sanitizer
- Charging cables for devices
- Extra Batteries and chargers
- Sunscreen
- Umbrella
- Bug Spray
- Bottled Water for drinking
- Personal Fan
2) Create a List of Ancestors
When you visit a cemetery, it's very possible you will be looking for more than one ancestor. I have created a cemetery log for each cemetery. On this log is the location information for the grave along with a spot for GPS location. If you don't have this information, you will need to call the cemetery.
3) Map of the cemetery
Most larger cemeteries have maps of their land online for you to download. But for others, you may have to call the cemetery itself. When you call to get the location of your ancestors' graves, ask for a copy of the map as well.
4) Check the weather & wear appropriate clothing
Summer can be hot. It can be unpredictable. If you are like me and you burn easily, you will need a very good sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself. Rain can pop up at the oddest times without any notice, so bring an umbrella. Also, if you are going into the country where there are a lot of fields, weeds, and grass, you will run into bugs so a bug spray is necessary. Also, long pants to avoid chiggers, good walking/hiking shoes, and sunglasses.
At the Cemetery
1) Check your surroundings
Investigate your surroundings before you get out of your car. Drive around, get a feel for the area, and know where the exit is. Some cemeteries are in some not so very nice areas while others are literally in the middle of nowhere. If you can, bring someone with you so you are not alone. When you do get out of your car, make sure no personal belongings are in view or easily accessible.
2) Watch your step
Cemeteries sometimes have very uneven ground. Dips, sinkholes, mud, etc. can make walking dangerous so watch your step. Also, deer like to roam the grounds, so watch out for their poop. Also, out in the wilderness, you could run into creatures such as snakes. So be prepared.
3) Do No Harm
The first rule of taking care of headstones is "First Do No Harm". So if you do not know how to clean them, don't do it without consulting with an expert. If a headstone has fallen and you are unsure if you can move it without damaging it, do not touch it. And above all else, DO NOT add anything to the headstone to make it more readable. That's what the reflective services are for. So always remember this. First Do No Harm.
4) Take photos of the Cemetery Sign or Entrance
Before you head into the cemetery and start taking pictures, take a picture of the Cemetery Sign or Entrance. So if you are visiting multiple cemeteries in one day, or a few days in a row before you empty your photos off, at least you will know which cemetery these photos belong to.
5) Set GPS coordinates on Google Maps
One way to share with others, or to keep track of for yourself, is to make some points on Google Maps. Once you are at the location, open Google Maps, tap the location of where you are standing on the map, and you will get the GPS Coordinates. You can also label the points, but clicking on Label. You can then record your GPS coordinates on your list.
6) Take Enough Pictures
Take pictures of the headstones close-up and far away. Close-up for details and far away for location. Sometimes photos are not in focus and it's hard to see out in the sun. So take extra just in case. You can always delete them later.
These are just a few tips for visiting cemeteries this summer. What other tips do you have? Where do you plan on going this summer? What else do you recommend for a cemetery bag? Leave your suggestions in the comments below.
The only approved cleaner is D2.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Thank you for sharing!
Delete