1. Observation comes first
Entries begin with visible traits: shape, number, posture, direction, letters, objects, material and relation to the rest of the monument. A symbol name is useful only when it preserves those traits.
2. Meanings are ranked, not declared
| Label | Use |
|---|---|
| Documented identifier | An official emblem, explicit wording or well-defined form supports identification when the details match. |
| Strong traditional reading | Reliable references repeatedly support the interpretation, while individual use can still differ. |
| Context dependent | The motif is a useful research lead but can carry several meanings. |
| Disputed / overloaded | No dependable single interpretation should be presented. |
3. Biography requires records
A marker can point toward church registers, military files, lodge directories, obituaries, census occupations or monument-company ledgers. Those records—not the symbol alone—support claims about a person.
4. Sources have different roles
Government, museum, preservation, scholarly and genealogical sources are used for identification, historical context and safe field practice. A linked source does not automatically endorse every wording on the page.
5. Review is scheduled
Core historical entries are designed to remain stable. Broken links, official emblem lists, accessibility, search behavior and high-traffic pages are reviewed on a twice-yearly maintenance cycle.