Find a Grave looks simple – but hidden behind the search box are powerful tools that many researchers never use, from wildcard searches and advanced filters to exploring entire cemeteries and uncovering unexpected family connections.
This practical talk will show you how to use Find a Grave more effectively: not just to find an individual, but to follow the clues around them. Packed with real examples and techniques you can use straight away, this session will help you get far more from one of genealogy’s most popular resources.
We’ll also look at the unique challenges of a volunteer-created database: how reliable are the records, who creates memorials, and how can we contribute responsibly.
Whether you are a long-time user or have never searched Find a Grave before, you’ll leave with fresh ideas and practical skills to transform the way you research.
Content note: This talk includes discussion of the ethical issues surrounding memorials for recently deceased individuals, including the distress families may experience when online memorials are created without their involvement.
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About the Speaker
Nicola Johnson
Nicola Johnson is a professional genealogist, writer and speaker, and founder of All About Ancestors (allaboutancestors.com). Alongside general English family history research, she specialises in maritime and Merchant Navy, the Titanic and DNA. Nicola won the 2026 British Commission for Maritime History Masters Prize for her Titanic research and holds an MSc (Distinction) in Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldic Studies (University of Strathclyde). Formerly a BBC Broadcast Journalist, Nicola now writes for 'Who Do You Think You Are?', 'Family Tree' and 'Discover Your Ancestors' magazines. She also gives engaging talks to societies, organisations and conferences in the UK and overseas.
