Santa Cruz County Cemeteries

The Genealogical Society of Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley Historical Society have compiled burial records for cemeteries throughout the county. Since the compilation of these records is very labor intensive, they are updated only periodically. It is an ongoing process.

Recently records of the Santa Cruz Memorial Gardens (formerly Santa Cruz IOOF) Cemetery and Holy Cross Cemetery have been updated. This task entailed transcribing all monument inscriptions and extracting the official cemetery records. There are over 30,000 interments in the Memorial Gardens (IOOF) cemetery. Similar efforts are underway in other smaller cemeteries. All of this work is performed by volunteers.

Databases are being created as records are updated. These are published in paper form and as searchable CD-ROMs. All records are available for search in our library. Those available for purchase will be found in the listing of publications.

Old county newspapers are available on microfilm and can be searched for obituaries. Births deaths and marriages have been indexed for many of these dating from 1852. Publications available for purchase are listed on this site.

For those unable to visit our facility, the Society will perform research for you. Go to Research Help for more information.

Click here for a list of cemeteries in Santa Cruz County and adjacent areas of Monterey County.