Cemeteries are one of the most important sources for genealogical information.
We all hope our ancestors had tombstones with correct information recorded. Unfortunately, many graves were marked in ways that did not survive — some could not afford a permanent stone, and in other cases no permanent marking material was available at the time.
Still, many of our larger local cemeteries are great sources of history because of the art and iconography of their markers. The following special tours have been created to highlight them:
“A Tale of Two Cemeteries: Reading the Cultural Landscape of African-American Burial Grounds” covers two guided walking tours by D. L. Henderson.
The first tour will run from 10 a.m. to noon April 20 at South-View Cemetery on Jonesboro Road. This cemetery was established in 1886 by African-Americans. Cost is $10. See www.southviewcemetery.com for more information on the cemetery.
A similar tour of Oakland Cemetery is set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 27. She will focus on the African-American section of Oakland, where some of the city’s most significant early black leaders are buried. Cost is $10.
Both tours will focus on interpreting the historical and cultural information found on gravestones. To reserve for either or both, call the Atlanta History Center, 404-814-4150, or go to www.atlantahistorycenter.com/genealogy.
Oakland Cemetery’s website is www.oaklandcemetery.com, where you can learn about their regular tours and visit the shop offering many books related to cemetery art, as well as “Atlanta’s Oakland Cemetery” by Ren and Helen Davis.
Confederate Veteran
Published from 1893 to 1932, the Confederate Veteran magazine carried a wealth of information about former Confederate soldiers, including obituaries and other interesting articles. Search online for “Confederate Veteran magazine archives” to see the digitized back issues. That site links you to an online index via the Library of Virginia to search for specific personal names. If you find an entry, you need to return to the online issue to see the information.
Charlotte library
Charlotte, N.C., has one of the best genealogy collections in the region at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library’s Central Library, 310 N. Tryon St. The Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room has always been worth a visit, but that’s even more the case now with its expanded collection including material from all around the South and the nation. Check out its treasures at www.cmstory.org.
