Gravestone & Cemetery Records Research, and The 1926 Irish Census
“Using Gravestones and Cemetery Records for Genealogy”
Using gravestones and cemetery records can break through genealogical “brick walls” by providing birth/death dates, maiden names, and clues to family relationships, especially for individuals who died before mandatory vital records. Locating a burial site is possible by using online databases, death certificates or funeral homes.
Analyzing the gravestone is important by documenting everything: Checking all sides, cleaning the stone without damaging it, interpreting symbols and art to obtain clues to the person’s life. (As an aside, we will take a look at the “Rockingham School” of cemetery art.)
Cemetery records will show who owns the plot and the people buried there. Burial registers may give details like cause of death, age, and place of death. Research strategies include checking on neighboring graves for relatives, name variations, and verifying information that is on the memorial.
Let’s Find Out about the Newly Released 1926 Irish Census
The 1926 Irish Census was released publicly on April 18, 2026, following the 100 year rule that embargo census returns in Ireland. The population of 2,971,992 residents was surveyed and collected across 26 counties. The unique part of this census release was the first time household members could complete their own census form in the Irish language.
Some of the other enhancements in this census include: the age of members of a household are expressed in years and months rather than just in years; detailed occupations and workplace address were added , as well as a couples’ martial status.
We will take a look at the National Archives of Ireland website to search the census. If you have any ancestors living in Ireland at that time, send their names and county of residence to [email protected].
