How do I get started?
1. Find a cemetery
Search for a cemetery on the BillionGraves website or app. Check the cemetery map to see where pictures have already been taken.
2. Determine where to take pictures
Pins on the cemetery map represent where pictures have already been taken. Look for a section in the cemetery that is not covered with pins.
3. Organize your group
Have your group register and install the app before going. Bring water, bug spray, and supplies to clean headstones or provide shade.
4. Take pictures
Keep headstone information visible. Avoid casting a shadow. Include all important information in the photo frame and link successive images.
5. Upload pictures
Wait until you get home and connect to WiFi to upload your pictures. It'll go faster and you won't use up your data plan.
6. Transcribe pictures
After your pictures have been uploaded, you can begin transcription. It may take a few hours for images to be approved and available.
Does BillionGraves qualify for use in an Eagle Project?
Absolutely - On page 4 of the Eagle workbook it says: Some aspect of a business operation provided as a community service may also be considered—for example, a park open to the public that happens to be owned by a business, but primarily benefits the community.
While BillionGraves isn't a park it is a <strong>FREE</strong> service to the community that benefits thousands of people researching their family history, and cemetery sextons who spend too much time helping people find graves instead of taking care of the cemetery.
Technically BillionGraves itself is not the project. The Eagle project should focus on documenting a cemetery and preserving the historical records found there. BillionGraves is a tool that can be used to facilitate the project, store the information and make it freely available to everyone. <strong>Ultimately, the local council or district is responsible for determining if an Eagle project is approved.</strong>
Take Pictures
<strong>Keep the headstone information visible.</strong> Clear away grass clippings or hold living plants aside while you take the photo.
<strong>Avoid casting a shadow.</strong> When a shadow only covers part of the stone, it can make the part in the shade difficult to read in a photo.
<strong>Include all important information in the photo frame.</strong> Make sure names, dates, etc. are all included.
Link together images of each side of the headstone that has information. Learn More
<strong>It works well to have your volunteers work in pairs.</strong> Each person takes a separate row of headstones. After finishing a row, leap-frog your companion to the next row.
<strong>Volunteers who don't have a smartphone</strong> can help others who do by clearing flowers, grass or other debris off of the headstones.
