Cemetery research in Massachusetts is probably one of the most unique research tools
available to the family genealogist. Stones in some cemeteries date back to the early 17th
century. Clues found in this type of research can help to positively prove relationships,
find "unknown" relatives and provide birth and death information that has been
forever lost.
 Mass-Doc can help preserve information inscribed on gravestones by
providing photography services to those unable to personally visit one of our local
cemeteries. Preservation is crucial in this case because many older gravestones are slowly
but surely deteriorating and will simply vanish within the next few decades.
We can also obtain burial information from cemetery offices regarding the who, what, where and when of the family plot. Many times, additional family
members can be located simply by discovering who else is buried in the same plot. This is
an excellent approach to identify those elusive female relatives who's married names have
not been discovered.
Currently, we only provide this service as part of an overall family history
project. In addition, we only service cemeteries that have an active office
or repository. We need this in order to find the exact location of a particular
 plot and gravestone. Trying to locate gravestones
from an abandoned cemetery, or even one without an office, can be extremely time consuming
and would be cost prohibitive to our clients. We could spend hours, days even, walking a
particular cemetery in an effort to locate a gravestone.
Please remember that in order to take the best possible photograph, weather,
especially in
New England, can always be a factor.
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