Cemetery Field Research Supply Kit Checklist: Essential Items for DIY Investigators

Just like going on research trips to libraries or courts, trips to cemeteries require preparation. I keep my cemetery tools handy in a tote bag so when the need arises to visit one I am ready!

Cemetery Field Research Kit Supplies Blowup This Cemetery Field Research Kit Blowup Includes cell phone car charger and cord; digital camera with extra batteries and storage card; whisk broom for clearing away grass or dirt off stones’ bases, soft paintbrush for gently cleaning off stone surface, whisk broom to clear away grass or dirt off base stones and handheld whisk broom to easily clear grass/dirt off them, whisk broom for clearing grass from stones’ bases as well as soft paintbrush to gently brush away dust from stones
Small garden sheers or scissors to trim grass from around stones; water to wet them for better readability; and a knee pad are essential in clearing away overgrown vegetation that obstruct reading or photographing an inscription.
Portable Light Reflector or Full-length Mirror for Reflected Lighting in Photos; CenTrac Form (also downloadable online); Tombstone Iconography Quick Guide, Notepad, Pen and/or Pencils to take down tombstone inscriptions even when taking photographs
Vest or apron with multiple pockets to store equipment, water bottles and snacks; sunscreen; moist towelettes to clean hands before using sunscreen; insect repellent and bug spray; as well as bug repellent, repellent bug spray and first aid supplies can all come in handy when traveling abroad.