Unlocking Stories Beneath the Stones

Genealogy isn't always done from the comfort of your home. Sometimes, to find the full story of your ancestors, you have to get out and do some field research—or in this case, some cemetery sleuthing!

In this immersive (rebroadcast), course, you'll learn how to be a true cemetery detective. We’ll start by uncovering the seven types of cemeteries where your ancestors might be buried and the six types of markers you'll encounter. You'll learn how to interpret the clues and symbols left behind, even the most cryptic ones, and discover what vital information to look for in different cemetery records. We'll also examine some truly unusual markers before closing the course with a few poignant and unforgettable "Stories in Stone."

Experience Interactive Learning with an Expert

Joy Neighbors is a Tombstone Tourist with an avid interest in cemeteries, history, and genealogy. She’s the author of The Family Tree Cemetery Field Guide, and her upcoming book, Crown Hill Cemetery: The City on a Hill (Indianapolis Indiana), will be published in November by Sutton Publishing. Her third book, Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum (Cincinnati Ohio) will be published in early 2026.

For more than 15 years, Joy has written A Grave Interest, a widely read blog exploring cemetery culture, symbolism, and forgotten histories. She is a sought-after speaker, presenting across the U.S. on topics ranging from gravestone iconography to uncovering hidden burial records.

Joy also serves as editor of the Indiana Genealogical Society Quarterly Journal and is the Director of Communication for Cream of Kentucky Distilling. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her family. To learn more or schedule a presentation, visit www.AGraveInterest.com.

Join Joy Neighbors as she shares her decades of experience unlocking history.

Expert Guidance: Learn directly from a renowned genealogy professional.
Practical Handouts: Access downloadable resources to enhance your learning.
PLUS - Registrants receive the digital Cemetery Cheat Sheet ($9.99 value) FREE

Learn from the community: While our rebroadcast sessions don’t feature a live, active Q&A, you won't miss a beat! You’ll get to see all the great questions previously asked by your peers and the expert answers that followed.

What You’ll Learn

Become a Cemetery Sleuth: We'll walk through ten essential steps to prepare for a successful trip, ensuring you find what you're looking for every time.
The Seven Types of Cemeteries: Discover the different kinds of burial grounds, from churchyards to national cemeteries, and learn who holds the records for each.
Deciphering the Past: You'll uncover the "21 Nuggets of Information" hidden within cemetery records and learn what forms to request to get the most out of your research.
Symbols and Stories: Learn to read the fascinating language of gravestone symbols and interpret their meanings. We'll also explore the unique markers that reveal touching stories about the lives they commemorate.
Extraordinary Lives, Unforgettable Stories: Go beyond the names and dates to discover the compelling tales of ordinary people who lived extraordinary lives.

From the profound to the unusual, you'll learn how to uncover the fascinating stories etched into gravestones and connect with the lives they commemorate.

Independent Courses

Cemetery Research Guide - September 2026