Visiting a grave can help one pay their respects to the deceased. But, finding the gravesite of an acquaintance or loved one can require considerable research. Yet, looking for a grave today is easier than it ever has been due to plenty of handy online resources. Even with a few key details like the name and an approximate date of passing, it is possible to figure out the place of burial.

Collect primary information
Just randomly looking for places won’t help, rather it will waste a lot of your time and energy. So, start compiling important information about the deceased. It is best to have the person’s first, middle, and last name on hand to find a grave by name. You’ll probably have better luck if you also know their date of birth, date of death, and the names of their close relatives. Some first and last name combinations are more common than others; having the person’s middle name will significantly help you streamline your search.

Opt for an individual gravestone research
Locating the burial may appear tough if you do not know the specific spot where the deceased was laid to rest. Fortunately, if you know a little bit about the person, there are various ways to figure out where they are buried. Go to the graveyard if you know where it is. If you know the cemetery where someone is buried but are unsure which plot is theirs, go to the graveyard and find a grave cemetery record. Plan to arrive early, in case you need to find the exact location.

Check online sources
After you’ve acquired all of the information, you can start your quest to find the gravesite. The best place to start is also the simplest — online. It should come as no surprise that, with today’s web technology, there is also a way to search for graves online. This significantly simplifies the entire procedure. While some cemeteries only feature on-site maps, others offer websites with maps of every tombstone. If you can find a map, you can save doing a lot of walking when looking for a particular burial. Individual graves will be listed on some maps, while others may show family plots. Even simple grid maps of the cemetery, which some may have, can assist you in narrowing down your search. Begin with one graveyard side and work your way around.

Browse through veteran websites
There are specialized websites dedicated to preserving the locations of departed service members, whether they died in the line of duty or after their service was completed. Browse these websites to learn more about the individual you seek for military service. This can help you narrow down your search easily. If you are unsure are unable to access the online portals, you can contact the veteran service center and dig up information about the deceased.  

Check for the find-a-grave app availability
The companion app for genealogy’s most popular cemetery website was established when it was acquired in 2013. In addition, the app allows you to post inscription information and photos of graves you visit while at a cemetery and respond to requests for images of your ancestors’ final resting places from others. This app has many features that can help you through the process of finding the gravesite.

Get in touch with the county or funeral homes
Don’t be concerned if none of the above steps works for you. This information is still available. Contact any funeral homes that were in business with your ancestor. They are most likely to have information on where ancestors are buried. You may have to follow up with them several times, but they will have this information.

If you can’t identify the right funeral home or it’s closed, call the county clerk’s office at the same location. Then, make an appointment to visit with someone from the Vital Records Department. You may have to pay a fee or demonstrate your relationship with the family to acquire access to the vital information of the deceased.

Preparation for a gravesite visit
Whichever source you use to learn about your ancestor’s final resting place, remember that locating the cemetery and gravesite may be more complicated than you imagine if the burial occurred more than a century ago.

Unfortunately, some burial sites have not been maintained over time, although some burial records have. Before attempting to visit your ancestor’s cemetery, extensive investigation is required because certain cemeteries, particularly those in major cities, may have been relocated. 

How to find unmarked graves?
Graves that are unmarked are a bit difficult to find. You can look up old obituaries, newspapers, death certificates, church records, or legal records to find information about the deceased. With the help of this information, you may be able to find the location, but it may be difficult to find the actual gravesite due to many reasons. You might require archaeological help to locate the grave.

Take some time to contemplate when you’ve found the grave in person. Even if you were not close to your relative, this could be a significant and emotional experience. Many people find cleaning up the grave, delivering flowers, or writing a note to the departed therapeutic. Before taking action, learn how to clean a headstone correctly to avoid damage.

As a mark of respect, small grave decorations are frequently brought. In addition, flowers or other tributes left on unmarked graves show that someone is thinking about this person.