Just call me a detective - Finding a Purpose with FindaGrave.com 📸
- eternalcarestonese
- Sep 24
- 2 min read
Have you ever wondered what happens to family history when all the older generations are gone? I've been thinking about this a lot lately, and I found a really cool way to contribute to preserving the past: by adding memorials to Find a Grave. It's more than just a hobby; it feels like a purpose.
I've always enjoyed photography, so I started combining it with my interest in history and genealogy. Find a Grave is an online database of cemeteries and burial records, and it's a fantastic resource for anyone researching their family tree. What's even better is that anyone can contribute! By taking photos of headstones and uploading them, you're helping people all over the world connect with their ancestors.
On-the-Go Contributions: Making it Easy
One of the things that makes contributing so easy is using my phone. I simply go to a cemetery and start walking around. When I find a grave that hasn't been added yet, I take a few pictures: a clear shot of the headstone, a wider shot that shows its surroundings, and sometimes a detail shot of any carvings or inscriptions.
The Reward of Giving Back
It's an incredibly rewarding experience. I get to spend time outdoors, exploring peaceful, often beautiful, places. . Each headstone tells a story, and I feel a sense of connection to the people buried there. I've found stones that are hundreds of years old and others from just a few weeks ago.
When you're contributing to Find a Grave, you're not just adding a photo. You're creating a permanent digital record that can be accessed by anyone, anywhere. You're helping a distant cousin find a long-lost great-great-grandparent. You're helping someone honor a veteran they never met. You're helping future generations learn about their heritage. It's a small act with a huge impact.
So, if you're looking for a new hobby that combines photography, history, and a sense of community, I highly recommend giving it a try. It's an amazing way to give back and ensure that no one is ever truly forgotten.
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