During my genealogy research I’ve visited many cemeteries along the way and have taken pictures of at least one hundred headstones. While I am looking for lost family members or volunteering to do it for someone else, I sometimes take photos of the cemetery itself. I’ve always found cemeteries both fascinating and calming. They’re like a park full of local history and some of them were originally built that way. There is a certain beauty to the melding of the stones and nature, especially if you visit during certain times of the year like fall or spring. Here are ten of the favorite cemetery photos that I have taken over the years.

St. Francis Borgia Cemetery, Cedarburg, Ozaukee, Wisconsin - taken at the beginning of spring before nature woke up.

Forest Home Cemetery, Milwaukee, Wisconsin - one of my favorite cemeteries and one of the most beautiful especially in the fall.

St. Mary's Cemetery, Saukville, Ozaukee, Wisconsin - the overcast sky made a great shadow

St. Mary's Cemetery, Port Washington, Ozaukee, Wisconsin

Immanuel Cemetery, Cedarburg, Ozaukee, Wisconsin - I've always like this one. The sun lined up perfectly

Holy Cross Cemetery, Milwaukee, Wisconsin - overall not a super beautiful cemetery, but you can find great shots if you line it up right

Forest Home Cemetery, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

St. Francis Borgia Cemetery, Cedarburg, Ozaukee, Wisconsin

St. Mary's Cemetery, Port Washington, Ozaukee, Wisconsin - another early spring shot

Immanuel Cemetery, Cedarburg, Ozaukee, Wisconsin - the weight of death towering over you