BillionGraves - How to Use It for Your Genealogy
Genealogy research is a fascinating journey into the past, where you can discover the lives of your ancestors and the stories that make up your family history. One of the challenges of genealogy research is locating the final resting place of your ancestors. This is where BillionGraves comes in - a free online resource that provides access to millions of headstone records from cemeteries around the world. In this blog post, we'll explore how BillionGraves works and how you can use it to enhance your genealogy research.
What is BillionGraves?
BillionGraves is an online database of headstone records that is powered by a community of volunteers who take photos of headstones and upload them to the database. The site also includes a GPS component that allows you to locate the headstones in the cemetery. This makes it easy for genealogists to search for their ancestors and get a glimpse into their lives.
How to Use BillionGraves
Using BillionGraves is simple, and you can start by creating a free account on the website. Once you have an account, you can search for headstone records using the search bar on the homepage. You can search by name, location, or cemetery. You can also use the map feature to locate cemeteries near you or near your ancestors' location.
Once you have located a cemetery of interest, you can then search for specific headstones by browsing through the cemetery records. Each headstone record contains the name of the deceased, the birth and death dates, the cemetery location, and other information that may be relevant to your research. You can also view a photo of the headstone to get a sense of the design and any inscriptions that may be on it.
Benefits of Using BillionGraves
There are several benefits to using BillionGraves for your genealogy research. First, it provides access to millions of headstone records from cemeteries around the world. This means that you can locate the final resting place of your ancestors, no matter where they lived. Additionally, the GPS component of the site makes it easy to locate the cemetery and headstones within it, which can be especially helpful if you are traveling to a new location.
Another benefit of BillionGraves is that it is a collaborative resource. The site is powered by a community of volunteers who take photos of headstones and upload them to the database. This means that you can also contribute to the site by taking photos of headstones in your local cemetery or in cemeteries that you visit while traveling. By contributing to the site, you can help other genealogists locate their ancestors and expand their family tree.
Tips for Using BillionGraves
To make the most of BillionGraves, here are a few tips:
Be specific with your searches: When searching for headstone records, be as specific as possible with your search terms. This will help you narrow down the results and locate the headstones that are most relevant to your research.
Use the map feature: The map feature on BillionGraves can be a helpful way to locate cemeteries near you or near your ancestors' location. This can help you plan a visit to the cemetery or get a sense of the geographic distribution of your ancestors.
Contribute to the site: If you have photos of headstones in your local cemetery or in cemeteries that you visit while traveling, consider uploading them to BillionGraves. This will help other genealogists locate their ancestors and expand their family tree.
Conclusion
BillionGraves is a powerful tool for genealogy research, providing access to millions of headstone records from cemeteries around the world. By using the site, you can locate the final resting place of your ancestors and gain insight into their lives. Additionally, the collaborative nature of the site means that you can also contribute to the genealogy community by taking and uploading photos of headstones in your local cemetery or in cemeteries that you visit while traveling.
As with any genealogy resource, it's important to verify the information you find on BillionGraves. Headstone records can sometimes contain errors, and it's always a good idea to cross-check information with other sources to ensure accuracy.
In conclusion, BillionGraves is a valuable resource for genealogy research, providing access to millions of headstone records from around the world. Whether you're a seasoned genealogist or just starting your research journey, BillionGraves can help you uncover the stories of your ancestors and expand your family tree. So, grab your camera and start exploring your local cemetery - you never know what you might find!
