MAURY COUNTY, TENNESSEE

 

Tips for searching in Cemeteries

 

From the original pages created by

Denny Thomas

 

 

Supplies:

~White chalk for highlighting inscriptions
~Gallon jug of water for rinsing off lichen and dirt
~Grass clippers for cutting weeds from around markers
~Large crayons and heavy paper for rubbings
~Sturdy plastic sheet or board for knees when kneeling in muddy and     moist areas
~Insect repellant and snake-bite kit
~Camera and film
~Tape recorder for reading and recording inscriptions
~Garden clogs or boots for tramping through mud
~White socks to pull up over your pants during tick season so you can see the little "critters!"

 

Methods:

~Never scrape or scratch the surface of our fragile, irreplaceable markers.
~Photograph markers with black and white film; color photos will deteriorate more rapidly.
~Photograph marker at close range to make sure inscription will be legible.
~Photograph marker with surrounding markers, to place it within cemetery.
~Photograph cemetery entrances, gates and historic markers.
~Photograph markers during time of day when light falls favorably on them.
~Develop film immediately, if possible, to make sure you have successfully captured inscriptions on film (to avoid repeat trip   to same cemetery).
~Record exact location of your markers within the cemetery so you can find them when you return.
~Carefully replace and, if possible, repair broken and tumbled markers in your family cemeteries.
~If access to cemetery is through private property, ask permission from resident if present.
~When possible, seek local residents for help in finding "hidden" family cemeteries.
~Watch out for local livestock, especially bulls and billy-goats!
~Tend your local cemeteries and be on alert for vandalism.
~Contribute to local cemetery funds to help in the maintenance.