Why I do genealogy...

My strong interest in family genealogy stems from having grown up a long distance away from most of my relatives. Wanting to "know" them, I began with a list of who I knew and even worked off a mere a list of names from my grandfather in the early 2000's. As information began to be more available online, I was able to expand my work even further, and was able to confirm the identity of my grandfather's father through DNA and record sleuthing. I was able to find my grandfather's first cousin so he could finally meet someone from his father's side of the family.

If I am able to, I also help adoptees who approach me as a match on Ancestry.

*** FIND A GRAVE CONTRIBUTORS ***

PLEASE remember to include that a headstone or marker is not found by messaging the person who set up the listing so that it can be notated. It is also recommended that you add the inscription (if readable) to the profile for the accessibility (taking into consideration those with low vision or blindness who utilize screen readers), or simply just for a more thorough profile page in memory of the individual.

DO NOT use Buried or Lost at Sea unless the person has proven to be buried at sea or lost at sea. If they were buried and the location is unknown, or if the burial details are unknown, use Burial Details Unknown.

Also refer to the FAG Guide for Naming Memorials:

https://support.findagrave.com/s/article/Naming-Memorials

If I submit a change to a memorial you manage and it is a period for the middle name, this guide also covers that it should be included as part of FAG's guide. I will always submit changes to reflect a person's veteran status so it is reflected on their memorial page. When I come across memorials without photos I submit requests for one (to see if the grave or approximate area can be located and photographed).

Currently re-assigning memorials to my profile if I come across any that are unclaimed/held by FAG when a user deletes their account/retires/passes away.

Other: I have a special interest in studying the Holocaust on my personal time and add pictures of plaques from concentration camps to victims' online memorials because they were not given the dignity of a proper burial. It serves to bring awareness to their plight if someone is drawn to click on their memorial, and I also include screenshots from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum search. They serve as proof that the person existed, rather than simply being a plain online memorial - and I will not remove them when they are indeed a marker for the mass graves.

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(Currently taking it upon myself to help a member [named J.D. Silver] who uploaded incorrect names using a Holocaust spreadsheet and has yet to fix a majority of them, including duplicates of memorials that have already been created - so remember to always check your own uploads if you utilize a spreadsheet.)

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