Has anyone thought of using the information contained in cemetery file cabinets?

Question

There is a wealth of information stored in the file cabinets of local cemeteries all over the world. It would be a matter of having someone set up a program, enter the information, then upload to the web.

I think its a grand idea, and bets the heck out of searching and searching the actual cemetery. A photo of the headstone could be included. I know a few cemeteries in some states and some counties are offering this, but too few and then its a relative that takes it upon theirself to put together a list in order to assist people in finding lost relatives.

With all the interest in genealogy it only makes sense, for the information is there.

Its just a matter of pulling it together.

Answer 1

It's the sort of thing which County Family History Society members have been doing for yonks;  all volunteers welcome.

The problem is that it all takes time and when you rely on volunteers they usually have only a limited amount of time to spare.

You'll find, all over the World, that people want the information contained in vaults, filing cabinets card indexes, etc., but want it for free, delivered straight to their computers and don't seem to realise that somebody else has to put in a lot of graft to provide it.

Answer 2

My opinion is this:  By not going to the cemetery, getting the records, etc, one is missing out on the thrill and experience of true family research.   Sites such as RAOGK are set up so volunteers can go to cemeteries for you, you would miss out on the kindness and generosity this type of searching brings.  I guess what I am saying is that family research is journey not a destination.

Answer 3

You may not be familiar with the usgenweb.. which has volunteer sites all over the US, to input various types of genealogical information.  Yes.. walking a cemetery is tedious.  I am aware of one county, where this had been done/ published years back, and the book itself was copyrighted, with sales to support the historical society.  Completely valid..however, to post those cemeteries online, other persons had to personally RE- WALK each one, and do their own work, to avoid violating the copyright.

Things against the concept..files kept by LARGE cemeteries are their actual business records, and subject to their control.  On the other hand.. do not overlook the small, far older cemeteries which NO ONE knows who actually owns them, and thus, no office exists.. much less filing cabinets.