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Collection and transfer of data
Search Tips
History
The searchable databases are a product of the Utah Cemetery Inventory Project that includes names and other recorded information about people who are buried in the Utah cemeteries. Data is collected in three ways:
- Small grants are given to cemeteries to help them computerize their data. The participating cemeteries do not conduct grave marker surveys. Instead they use the grant funds to convert sexton records to electronic databases and geographic information systems (GIS) to help them manage their cemeteries. The data they gather is then submitted to the Utah State Historical Society for inclusion in the Burials and Cemeteries Database. Currently grant money is available to continue the project. Contact Debbie Dahl at (801) 533-3537.
- A second source is cemeteries that have already entered their records into a digital format and donate it to the project.
- A third source is one where private groups and individuals offer to survey a cemetery. Before starting a project:
- first obtain permission from the cemetery;
- contact us as to format, submission process, etc. We will not accept a database unless it is in the proper format. If you have recorded the names from a cemetery that is not in the database, refer to the data submission page for information on having the data added to the database. Contact Doug Misner, (801) 533-3535, for more information.
Collection and Transfer of Data
The collection and transfer of data to our database is completed in two steps:
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Surveys were completed of all known cemeteries in the state. Information, such as the name, location and ownership information, as well as the age of the cemetery and the number burials, is being collected and stored in a database that is searchable on this website. The form for this step can be downloaded. survey form
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The creation of the computer database that contains names and burial locations was created. Local communities and nonprofit organizations play are a vital role in the collection of data, and matching grants are still occasionally available to cemeteries. With these monies, communities can transfer cemetery records from the sexton’s records and maps to a geographical information system, which links computer maps with databases. Grants are issued on a first come, first serve basis after filling out the “Cemetery Grant Application” and submitting it to us. Cemetery Grant Application
Disclaimer
This database is intended to be a repository for cemetery records. It is not intended to contain all available information available on the deceased. Also, because this is an ongoing project, not every cemetery is represented yet.
Updates
At this time, the database is not updated on a regular basis. Currently the project is focusing on getting records from every cemetery. Once that is accomplished, updates will occur.
Errors and Omissions
Errors and omissions are dealt with differently depending on the source of the information.
Sexton / Grant
If the name and other data came from the sexton or cemetery records (see "Source"), then changes will not be made in our database. The cemetery must be contacted directly and changes made at that level. When we receive an update of their database, then the changes will be reflected online.
Occasionally we will make minor changes to the database if they are submitted to us with documentation.
For more information, problems, etc. contact:
Doug Misner
Utah Division of State History
300 Rio Grande
Salt Lake City, UT 84101-1182
(801) 533-3535
fax: (801) 533-3504
For grant information contact:
Debbie Dahl
Utah Division of State History
300 Rio Grande
Salt Lake City, UT 84101-1182
(801) 533-3537
Fax: (801) 533-3503
Search Tips
Best Search Tip!
Use the Standard Search and search by name without specifying a location or date. This is the fastest search available.
List of all Burials in a Cemetery
Using the Standard Burial Search, select the radio button next to Cemetery under Burial Place and select the cemetery from the drop down list. Leave all other fields blank. This will provide an alphabetical list of all names for that cemetery, 20 names at a time.
Searching by Name
If you are not finding a name you are sure is in a given cemetery, try these ideas.
- go to the List of Cemeteries to see if the cemetery of the deceased is included yet
- try a different spelling
- try just the first part of a name
- try the maiden name
- use the Advanced Search (The Standard Search searches only the beginnings of a name, so if all you know is the middle or maiden name you will need to use the Advanced Search that can search any part of a name.)
Cemetery is Known:
- Go to the List of Cemeteries to see if the cemetery is included yet.
- Use the Standard Search if there is only one cemetery in town.
- Select the City/Town field after you have entered the name.
- Use the Advanced Search if there is more than one cemetery in town. Type the first part of the cemetery name in the keyword field. See the field descriptions below for more help.
Cemetery Unknown:
This is the fastest way to search. Use the Standard Search and search by name without specifying a location or date.
City Known: Use the Standard Search. Enter the name, then select the City/Town field.
County Known: Use the Standard Search. Enter the name, then select the County field.
Often asked questions:
Question: “I only get 100 hits.”
Answer: It is not possible to get "the next one hundred hits". The search must be refined to get more specific results. So, if one searches for Smith, and the specific relative isn't in the first 100 hits (because there are 2,000 Smith's for example), one cannot get the next 100 hits, but one can add a first name (Joe), and that will limit my search and bring up the specific relative. Basically if someone cannot find the information they are looking for in the first 100 results, they need to ask for more specific information by adding additional search criteria.
Question: “I cannot find my relative.”
Answer: Try alternative spellings or for John Smith try searching under “J” Smith. But remember this is not a complete database and we continue to add names to our databases.
Question: “I cannot find the cemetery that I am looking for.”
Answer: This is not a complete database and we continue to add Utah cemeteries to our databases.
Question: I found an error in the database.
Answer: When this happens one should contact the cemetery involved so that they can make the correction in their database. When the cemetery data is uploaded with additional names our database will automatically be corrected. For minor changes contact Doug Misner at (801) 533-3535 with appropriate documentations.
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