About
Resting Gardens is an innovative cemetery directory software platform serving both the general public and cemetery administrators. For visitors and families, it provides a powerful search experience — use your location to discover nearby cemeteries, search for deceased loved ones by name, and explore interactive maps with plot locators to find exact burial sites. The platform aggregates detailed cemetery data, including the number of recorded deceased individuals per location, making it easier to research and plan visits. For cemetery operators, Resting Gardens offers a suite of management tools including a cemetery website builder, digital plot mapping software, and an integrated SEO Manager to improve search engine visibility. Cemeteries can request a demo, sign up for a free trial, and list their location on the directory to reach more families. The platform also includes tutorials, demos, and a structured pricing model for ongoing access. Resting Gardens is ideal for individuals researching genealogy or planning graveside visits, as well as cemetery owners and administrators looking to modernize their operations and online presence. Pioneered by Visitation Cemetery in Verboort, Oregon, the platform is built and maintained by Shadow Republic Developing LLC and is designed to serve cemeteries of all sizes across the United States.
Key Features
- Cemetery Directory & Location Search: Use your device's location to instantly discover nearby cemeteries, with detailed listings including number of recorded deceased individuals.
- Deceased Individual Search: Search for deceased loved ones or individuals by name across the platform's growing database of cemetery records.
- Interactive Maps & Plot Locators: Explore visual, interactive cemetery maps to pinpoint exact burial plots, making grave visits easier and more efficient.
- Cemetery Website & SEO Manager: Cemetery operators can build and manage their digital presence with a website builder and integrated SEO tools to improve search engine rankings.
- Cemetery Onboarding & Demo Tools: Cemeteries can request a demo, access tutorials, and start a free trial to get listed on the directory and take advantage of management features.
Use Cases
- Families searching for the burial location of a deceased relative to plan a graveside visit or gather genealogical information.
- Genealogy researchers looking up deceased individuals and locating their graves across multiple cemeteries.
- Cemetery administrators digitizing their plot records and building an online presence to attract more visitors and families.
- Cemetery owners improving their search engine visibility using the integrated SEO Manager to rank higher in local search results.
- Individuals exploring nearby cemeteries for historical research, memorial photography, or community heritage projects.
Pros
- Dual-Purpose Platform: Serves both the public (searching for graves) and cemetery administrators (managing records and websites), making it a comprehensive solution.
- Interactive Mapping: Visual plot locators and map-based search make it much easier to navigate large cemeteries and find specific burial sites.
- Free Trial Available: Cemetery operators can try the platform before committing to a paid plan, lowering the barrier to adoption.
- Built-In SEO Tools: The integrated SEO Manager helps cemeteries improve their online discoverability without needing a separate marketing tool.
Cons
- Niche Use Case: The platform is exclusively focused on cemetery management and grave searching, limiting its appeal outside of this specific domain.
- Growing Database: Cemetery and deceased record coverage may be limited in regions outside of the Pacific Northwest United States where the platform originated.
- Paid Plans Required for Full Access: Cemetery operators need a paid subscription to unlock full management and website features beyond the free trial period.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a cemetery near me?
You can use the 'Find cemeteries near me' feature on Resting Gardens, which uses your device's location to display a map of nearby cemeteries with details like the number of recorded deceased individuals.
Can I search for a deceased person on Resting Gardens?
Yes. The platform includes a deceased individual search tool that allows you to look up people by name across the cemeteries listed in the directory.
How can I add my cemetery to the directory?
Cemetery administrators can click 'Add your Cemetery' on the website to get started, request a demo, or sign up for a free trial to list their cemetery and access management tools.
What tools are available for cemetery operators?
Cemetery operators get access to a website builder, interactive plot mapping software, a deceased records database, an SEO Manager, and tutorials to help digitize and promote their cemetery.
Is Resting Gardens free to use?
Searching the public directory and finding cemeteries is free. Cemetery operators can access a free trial, after which a paid subscription is required to continue using management and website features.
