Like most states, it depends on what county you are looking for when it comes to finding Maryland cemetery records for your genealogy records. Although it isn't impossible to find cemetery records without the exact county, it does help. To make it as easy as possible, you should always try to start with the full, correct exact name, the county the person passed away in and the location the burial took place in. There are ways to search for this kind of information online, offline or, for the ultimate results, a mixture of both.
An online search for Maryland cemetery records, burial records or death records and certificates can be done through a variety of websites and types of sites. Some indexes seem to have death listings or obituaries dating back to 1837, but the actual cemetery records may not be quite as extensive. There are burial lists, death records and obituaries for all of the counties of Maryland but some of the greater populated counties have more in depth listings and records. Counties like Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington have several different types of listings to help with your genealogy records.
If you are seeking a particular tombstone, you can search online as well for listings as well as pictures of graves that can save you the trouble of having to go to different cemeteries in person. You can also use the internet to help prepare for a better in person search of cemeteries and cemetery records. First, you can use sites that link you to volunteers in different parts of Maryland who will retrieve records for you, if any are available, to save you the trip.
You can also obtain the addresses, phone numbers and contact info for employees at certain businesses who may be able to help you. The more data you have before making contact, the easier it will be for you and anyone trying to help you find Maryland cemetery records or other types of information.
It is important to note, some certificates or records for Maryland do require a fee, but it is usually not much for the data you can retrieve for it. Also, there are ways to request and order information online, by phone and mail therefore saving you the trouble of having to travel to another county, or to Maryland if you live out of state. This is usually true of vital records from Maryland state archives.
You can also usually locate a map of cemeteries online to make the trip through the graveyard easier. If this is not available, try to speak with someone at the cemetery who may be able to help you track down the information you are looking for. It never hurts to ask and can cut your time down considerably. With some proper planning, you can find and obtain the Maryland cemetery records you need for your genealogy records.
The Maryland State Archives offers a number of services, including tombstone and cemetery records. The state's central holding facility for both public and private records of all different kinds, some information dates back to 1634. Most cemetery entries include the date of birth, the date of death, the person's name, those buried in adjacent graves, and any notes that were recorded on the stone itself. To retrieve Maryland burial records, follow the instructions below.
Step 1.
Click here: Maryland State Archives
Step 2. Select a Maryland county.
Step 3. Browse through the published sources containing burial records for Maryland cemeteries. These sources are available through the Maryland State Archives Office.
There are few states that have the dramatic combination of oceanfront views and quiet rural areas quite like Maryland. It is a place easy to fall in love with, which is why so many folks come back here to retire. If you are currently in search of Maryland cemetery records and you know what burial site your loved one is interred at, contact them directly for official documentation. Otherwise, you may need to contact one or more of the following organizations to get the information you need.
First, consider contacting the Maryland Free State Cemetery & Funeral Association. They are responsible for much of the appearance and the record keeping at sites all over the state. If this organization isn't able to help you, you may want to contact a representative associated with the Maryland State Funeral Directors Association in Glen Burnie. Good record keeping often starts at the funeral home and they may have information that the cemetery doesn't.
One final place to look is at one of the state's four major military burial sites. There are cemeteries in Annapolis, Baltimore, Loudon Park and Point Lookout. Remember, whenever you need vital records of any kind, online ordering is your best bet.