FindAGrave.com: A Modern Treasure Hunt for History

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What is FindAGrave.com’s Contribution Program?

FindAGrave.com allows individuals to contribute by:

1. Locating Graves: Find graves not yet documented on the website.
2. Uploading Photos: Take clear, respectful pictures of gravestones and upload them.
3. Adding Records: Submit biographical details or corrections for existing entries.

This community effort helps preserve burial records for historians, genealogists, and families around the world.

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Activity: Become a Grave Explorer

Materials Needed:

• Internet-connected devices.
• Camera or smartphone.
• Notebook and pen for jotting down details.

Instructions:

1. Sign Up on FindAGrave.com: Create an account to contribute.
2. Search for Requests:
   • Go to the “Requests” section of the website to see graves in your area that need to be located.
   • Select one or more graves to find.
3. Contact the Cemetery:
   • Before your visit, try reaching out to the cemetery office or caretakers.
   • Ask if they have a map: Some cemeteries maintain maps that mark grave locations by section and plot number.
   • Inquire about assistance: If the grave isn’t marked or is difficult to find, cemetery staff may provide guidance or help locate the site.
4. Plan Your Visit:
   • Bring tools like a map or GPS to help navigate the cemetery.
   • Use the request details as a guide to find the grave.
5. Document the Grave:
   • Take a clear, respectful photo of the gravestone.
   • Write down the grave’s exact location for future reference (e.g., section, row, and plot number).
6. Upload Information:
   • Add the photo and any additional details (like inscriptions) to the FindAGrave.com record.
7. Reflect and Share:
   • Discuss what it felt like to contribute to preserving history and helping families worldwide.

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Why It’s Like Geocaching

• The Hunt: Searching for unlisted or requested graves is like finding a hidden treasure.
• Technology and Mapping: Participants use maps, GPS, and cemetery resources to locate specific graves.
• Community Sharing: Just like logging a geocache, contributors upload photos and details to the site for others to see.

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Incorporating This Into Events

1. Group Activity: Host a “Grave Finder Day” at a local cemetery where participants work together to fulfill multiple requests on FindAGrave.com.
2. Challenge: Create a friendly competition to see who can document the most graves, find the oldest, or uncover the most unique epitaphs.
3. Combine with Lessons: Use this activity alongside lessons on local history, cemetery preservation, or cultural burial practices.

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Benefits of Participating

• Preserving historical records for future generations.
• Encouraging outdoor exploration and digital skills.
• Building a deeper connection to local history and heritage.
• Making a meaningful contribution to a global community project.

Hosanna High Community Burial Project is proud to sponsor this event nationwide