What to Bring to the Cemetery: A Genealogist’s Practical & Thoughtful Checklist
What to Bring to the Cemetery
A thoughtful checklist for safe, respectful, and meaningful visits
Originally compiled August 9, 2012 — and recently updated
Visiting a cemetery—especially an older or forgotten one—is part preparation, part discovery, and part quiet reflection.
Some days you’ll find exactly what you came for.
Other days, the place itself will leave the deeper impression.
Either way, a little preparation goes a long way.
New to cemetery research?
If you're just getting started, visit our Getting Started in Genealogy guide for tips on how to begin your journey and make the most of your discoveries. www.heirloomed.org/getting-started-in-genealogy
🧭 Safety First (Always)
1. Bring a buddy
I cannot emphasize this enough. Many older cemeteries have unstable ground and fragile headstones. Accidents can and do happen.
In July 2012, a young child was tragically killed when a headstone fell in a Utah cemetery. These stones are not always secure.
Bring a buddy. Stay aware. Be careful.
2. Fully charged cellphone (and car charger)
Your phone is your camera, GPS, notebook—and emergency lifeline. Keep it charged and accessible.
Dress & Personal Comfort
3. Dress sensibly
Long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy shoes or hiking boots depending on terrain.
4. Bring a hat
Sun, wind, or even light rain—there’s always a reason.
5. Water (for you—and a little for the stones)
Stay hydrated. A light spritz of water can sometimes help make worn inscriptions more readable.
6. Snacks (with one surprising caution)
Fruit is great—but avoid bananas and pears.
Their scent mimics a chemical signal (isoamyl acetate) that can trigger defensive behavior in bees.
It’s rare—but memorable if it happens.
Tools for Light Care & Exploration
7. Work gloves
For brushing away leaves, moving debris, or navigating rough areas.
8. Small clippers
Because briars and thorny surprises have a way of finding you.
9. Trash bags
If you’re able, leaving a place better than you found it is a quiet kindness.
10. Pencil & notebook (or cemetery journal)
Record names, dates, impressions, weather—whatever feels meaningful.
These notes often become treasures later.
11. Printed map (for larger cemeteries)
Highlight areas as you go so you can track your progress and avoid repeating sections.
12. Soft brush or broom
Only soft tools—never anything harsh. Gentle cleaning is key to preserving fragile stones.
The “You’ll Be Glad You Brought It” Category
13. Insect repellent
Choose what works for you—natural or traditional—but don’t skip it.
I once visited a cemetery in Monmouth County, New Jersey and within minutes found myself pulling 27 ticks off my arms and legs… and then more off my husband and children.
You never quite know what you’ll walk into.
The Quiet Things That Matter Most
14. A handkerchief
No matter how long you’ve been doing this, something will catch you off guard—a name, a date, a tiny stone, a child’s grave, a token left behind.
It happens.
15. A small token (pebbles or flowers)
I keep a few grave pebbles in my car.
Sometimes I leave one for an ancestor I came to visit…
and sometimes for a stranger whose story touched me.
Flowers—fresh or silk—are another gentle way to say:
You are remembered.
Final Thought
You never quite know what to expect when you walk through the gates.
But if you come prepared—with care, curiosity, and respect—you’ll leave with more than names and dates.
You’ll leave with connection.
Looking for more guidance?
Explore our full Cemeteries Guide for tips on visiting, documenting, and understanding burial grounds as part of your family history journey. www.heirloomed.org/cemeteries
