From Stone to Screen: Bringing Cemetery Research into the Digital Age

This session offers practical strategies, tools, and inspiration to bring cemetery research into the digital age. We will explore new tools that transform the way we find, map, and preserve cemetery data. No advanced technical knowledge is required.

You will learn how to use GPS-enabled apps and online databases to locate and document cemeteries. We’ll explore how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can layer cemetery maps with land records. We’ll also discuss mobile apps that streamline information gathering sessions in the field.

Photogrammetry enables individuals to create 3D models of gravestones and monuments using only a smartphone or digital camera. This technology preserves fragile stones and can increase readability of inscriptions on weathered markers. We’ll walk through simple workflows and practical tools to build accurate, detailed records that can be shared online, preserving history for future generations.