About Massachusetts Cemetery Research

Massachusetts cemetery research offers genealogists a unique window into the past, providing invaluable clues to family histories. Our comprehensive Massachusetts Cemetery Directory enables easy location of burial grounds across the state, from historic Boston to rural Western Massachusetts.

Many Massachusetts cemeteries feature gravestones dating back to the early 17th century. These historical markers can:

Positively prove family relationships
Reveal "unknown" relatives
Uncover long-lost birth and death information

Historical Gravestones Gallery

Old Mother Goose Gravestone in Boston — The Old Mother Goose Gravestone: A prime example of 18th-century funerary art in Boston's Granary Burying Ground.

Panoramic view of Burial Hill, Plymouth — Burial Hill in Plymouth: A serene landscape capturing the essence of historical New England cemeteries, dating back to the 1620s.

17th century gravestone at Burial Hill, Plymouth — A well-preserved 17th-century gravestone at Burial Hill, showcasing early American funerary symbolism and calligraphy.

Our Massachusetts Cemetery Research Services

Gravestone Photography and Documentation

We offer detailed photography services for those unable to visit Massachusetts cemeteries in person. This initiative is crucial for the preservation of information on gravestones that are deteriorating over time.

Family Plot Identification

Our experts can help uncover family plots and connect clients to their ancestral roots. This service is especially helpful for identifying female relatives through married names often found on family gravestones.

Onsite Cemetery Research

Interested in Exploring Cemetery Research in the Greater Boston Area?

Official Death Documentation

When your research uncovers an ancestor's passing date, we can assist you in obtaining official documentation:

Obtain transcribed death records for genealogical research
Order certified death certificates for official purposes

These records provide crucial details about your ancestors' lives and family connections.

Newspaper Research

To enrich your family history research, explore Massachusetts newspaper archives for obituaries. These often contain rich details about your ancestors' lives and surviving family members.

Explore Thousands of Gravestone Inscriptions on Find a Grave® to Enhance Your Online Cemetery Research!

Search Gravestone Surnames by Massachusetts County

Click on a County Below to Access its Specific Cemetery Records and Gravestone Information:

Barnstable County Berkshire County Bristol County Dukes County Essex County Franklin County Hampden County Hampshire County Middlesex County Nantucket County Norfolk County Plymouth County Suffolk County Worcester County

Last Updated: October 1, 2024

About The Author

J. James Simonson, a graduate of Suffolk University's Journalism and Marketing Communications program, has been a leading figure in genealogy research since the 1990s. He specializes in Massachusetts birth, marriage, and death records, with expertise in piecing together complex family histories. A regular participant in genealogy conferences, Simonson is dedicated to helping others uncover their ancestral stories. In his spare time, he volunteers as a gravestone photographer for Find a Grave®.

Contact J. James at services@mass-doc.com