Post by nzbc on May 8, 2016 11:08:39 GMT 12
t's now easier to find loved one thanks to the installation of a new map at Pukekohe Cemetery.
The Franklin branch of the NZ Society of Genealogists has worked extensively for the past year to map out the cemetery on the corner of Wellington and Ward streets
Franklin branch president, Heather Maloney said genealogy groups around the globe undertook this work.
"This is our payback to do a local one so that somebody who might want to have a photo or a transcript - we can supply that for them."
More than 17 people recorded headstone information, photographed headstones and entered data.
From the data, branch member Mary Mercer was able to draw up the map.
"This has made it much easier for people to follow," Maloney said.
The data from more than 4500 headstones were recorded.
Data for Pukekohe Cemetery was first recorded in 1971, and updated in 1997.
Maloney said the oldest grave dates back to 1870.
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"People had settled here before that, so I don't know where they would've been buried."
She discovered a lot about the origins of the headstones.
"You look at an inscription and there's some sadness... and there's some funny and mysterious things too."
There are hazard associated with the job.
"We've had a few people who have fallen down rabbit holes, but not here in Pukekohe."
The state of some headstones are quite fragile, and Maloney said she hopes more families can maintain them.
"Some of these graves are a little bit sad and no-one comes near them, and there's a lot graves with no headstones."
Maloney has noticed a big move to genealogy and an even bigger push to DNA.
"Everyone's doing their DNA to see where they originated from, I think people are wanting to be aware of where their roots are."
She said Auckland Council would place letters on each row and put headstone photos online.
The Franklin branch is planning to record the data for all Franklin cemeteries in the Auckland Council region, with Waiuku the largest cemetery remaining.
Auckland cemeteries senior advisor of improvement and development, Tina Bishop said the society's contributions with both the map and data were much appreciated.
"We are very grateful for the effort the society has made."
www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/76908935/franklin-genealogy-group-creates-map-to-find-loved-ones-at-pukekohe-cemetery
The Franklin branch of the NZ Society of Genealogists has worked extensively for the past year to map out the cemetery on the corner of Wellington and Ward streets
Franklin branch president, Heather Maloney said genealogy groups around the globe undertook this work.
"This is our payback to do a local one so that somebody who might want to have a photo or a transcript - we can supply that for them."
More than 17 people recorded headstone information, photographed headstones and entered data.
From the data, branch member Mary Mercer was able to draw up the map.
"This has made it much easier for people to follow," Maloney said.
The data from more than 4500 headstones were recorded.
Data for Pukekohe Cemetery was first recorded in 1971, and updated in 1997.
Maloney said the oldest grave dates back to 1870.
Ad Feedback
"People had settled here before that, so I don't know where they would've been buried."
She discovered a lot about the origins of the headstones.
"You look at an inscription and there's some sadness... and there's some funny and mysterious things too."
There are hazard associated with the job.
"We've had a few people who have fallen down rabbit holes, but not here in Pukekohe."
The state of some headstones are quite fragile, and Maloney said she hopes more families can maintain them.
"Some of these graves are a little bit sad and no-one comes near them, and there's a lot graves with no headstones."
Maloney has noticed a big move to genealogy and an even bigger push to DNA.
"Everyone's doing their DNA to see where they originated from, I think people are wanting to be aware of where their roots are."
She said Auckland Council would place letters on each row and put headstone photos online.
The Franklin branch is planning to record the data for all Franklin cemeteries in the Auckland Council region, with Waiuku the largest cemetery remaining.
Auckland cemeteries senior advisor of improvement and development, Tina Bishop said the society's contributions with both the map and data were much appreciated.
"We are very grateful for the effort the society has made."
www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/76908935/franklin-genealogy-group-creates-map-to-find-loved-ones-at-pukekohe-cemetery