In today’s digital age, finding an obituary for a specific person has become easier than ever. However, it still requires some detective work, especially with limited information. Whether you’re looking to honor a loved one, conduct genealogy research, or piece together your family history, this guide will provide you with effective strategies for locating published obituaries.
Starting with Local Newspapers and Archives
A great place to begin your search is with local newspapers and archives. My personal journey in finding my great-grandfather’s obituary started here. Growing up, my family shared stories about him, but I wanted to see the official record of his life. So I started at the library and looked up newspaper articles on microfiche.
Step 1: Local Newspapers
Local newspapers often publish death notices and obituaries, especially in smaller communities. These can provide a wealth of information, including the death date, date and place of birth, and names of surviving family members. Visit the newspaper’s website or contact their office directly. Many newspapers have archives that date back several decades. A great place to start looking at local newspapers is local news paper website
Step 2: Local Archives
City or county archives may also have collections of old newspapers. Many local libraries keep microfilm or digital archives of local newspapers. During my search, I found the obituary for my great-grandfather in the local library’s archives. The staff were incredibly helpful, showing me how to navigate the microfilm reader and locate the exact issue I needed.
Utilizing Online Obituary Databases and Search Engines
In our increasingly digital world, online databases and search engines are invaluable tools.
Step 1: Obituary Databases
Websites like Legacy.com and Obituaries.com aggregate obituaries from various sources. These databases allow you to search obituaries online using names, death dates, and locations. They often include obituaries published in both local and national newspapers.
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Step 2: Search Engines
Use search engines like Google. Enter the person’s name along with keywords like “obituary” and “death notice.” Including the location or the funeral home’s name can narrow down the results. For example, searching “John Doe obituary New York” might yield better results than a broad search.
Contacting Funeral Homes and Cemeteries
Funeral homes and cemeteries are often the first to publish obituaries. If you know the funeral home that handled the arrangements, contact them directly. They usually keep records and can provide a copy of the obituary or direct you to where it was published.
Navigating National and Regional Newspaper Archives
For more comprehensive searches, consider national and regional newspaper archives.
Step 1: Newspaper Archives
Websites like Newspapers.com and NewspaperArchive.com offer extensive archives from newspapers across the country. These resources are particularly useful if the person lived in different places throughout their life. You might find obituaries for free during trial periods on these sites.
Exploring Genealogy Websites and Ancestry Databases
Genealogy websites are treasure troves for family historians.
Step 1: Genealogy Websites
Websites like Ancestry.com and MyHeritage.com provide access to a variety of records, including census records, death notices, and obituaries. My personal journey into genealogy research uncovered numerous family connections and stories I hadn’t known before. By building a family tree, I discovered relatives who had also preserved and shared family documents and obituaries.
Reaching Out to Community Centers and Local Libraries
Community centers and local libraries are valuable resources, especially for specific regions.
Step 1: Community Centers and Libraries
Local libraries often have special collections or local history rooms. Community centers may also have bulletin boards or community newsletters. These resources can be particularly helpful for finding older obituaries or those published in smaller, local publications.
Tips for Searching with Limited Information
Searching with limited information can be challenging, but not impossible.
- Be Specific: Use as much detail as possible. Full names, known locations, and approximate death dates can help narrow down the search.
- Explore Variations: People often go by nicknames or middle names. Try different variations of the person’s name.
- Check Multiple Sources: Don’t rely on a single source. Cross-reference information from newspapers, online databases, and genealogy sites.
Respecting Privacy and Sensitivities
When conducting an obituary search, always respect privacy and sensitivities. Understand that this information is deeply personal and may affect living family members.
Conclusion
Finding an obituary for a specific person can be a rewarding experience, offering closure and insight into a person’s life. By leveraging local and online resources, contacting funeral homes, and exploring genealogy databases, you can piece together the story you’re seeking. Whether it’s for family history, genealogy research, or simply honoring a loved one, these strategies will guide you in your search. Farewellit is a website where you can plan your own life celebration and there are even templates to help create your loved ones or start on your own obituary. Check out Farewellit’s blog about how to write your own obituary.
