"Whispers from the Dust" Cemetery Grant Program:
The Solution to the Cemetery Dilemma
Click here for a printable brochure about the Whispers from the Dust program.
The mission of ICAPGen is to advance family history/genealogy work around the world by accrediting and promoting genealogy professionals who are competent, ethical, and reliable, and to work to promote the preservation of genealogical materials, including cemetery records.
The Growing Dilemma
Cemeteries across the world are a treasure trove of valuable family history information. But that information is in danger of being permanently lost or destroyed. Many cemeteries maintain only a single paper copy of their records, and the information found on maps and records may not agree. ICAPGen is committed to helping cemeteries better preserve their information with technology that modernizes map and record keeping. Sadly, many cemeteries cannot afford this much-needed technology.
In this technological age, aren't there computer programs and digital record-keeping systems that will help solve these problems? Yes! The technology is available to modernize cemetery record keeping. The problem is not a lack of technology. The problem is insufficient resources. Most cemeteries operate on meager budgets with limited revenues that must be used for maintenance, operations, grounds keeping, and salaries, with little left for record keeping.
The Simple Solution
ICAPGen, the internationally recognized credentialing organization for professional genealogists, has developed the solution to preserve important cemetery information.
“Whispers from the Dust” is a grant program that provides technology and financial support for cemeteries to:
- Preserve historical information
- Modernize record keeping
- Make information accessible on the Internet
How Does the Grant Program Work?
- ICAPGen serves as the philanthropic agent for the collection and distribution of funds for the grant program.
- Cemeteries apply for a grant from ICAPGen. Approved cemeteries are required to share the cost through dollars or labor. Cemetery grants provide: a paper to digital conversion of maps and records; records management hardware and software; and publication of information on the Internet.
- Cemetery employees are trained to use and maintain their new systems.
- Maps and records are uploaded to the award-winning cemetery website, NAMES IN STONE, where they are made available for worldwide family history and genealogical research.
Benefits for the Genealogical Research Community
- Makes Records Widely Available - Online cemetery maps and records are available to everyone, anytime and anywhere.
- Identify Relatives - Genealogists can see who is buried next to whom, gaining clues into research mysteries.
- Preserves Information - A computerized format facilitates the preservation of cemetery information.
- Offers Convenience - Family history researchers can virtually "walk" through a cemetery, right from their own computers.
Benefits for Cemeteries
- Protects Information - Computerized maps and records are easily duplicated, facilitating backups and reducing data loss.
- Offers Motivation - Cemeteries are given a financial solution to maintaining better records.
- Ease of Use - Software makes searching and updating records quick and easy, which encourages better records management.
- Public Service - The public is better served by the cemetery's improved efficiency and convenient access to vital family information.
How Can You Help?
Would you like to help ICAPGen in providing the solution to this cemetery dilemma?
ICAPGen relies on donations and contributions from people like you to make funds available to cemeteries in need. Please help by making your tax-deductible donation today!
And spread the word! Talk to managers of large cemeteries about this exciting new mapping technology and grant opportunity.
