Obituaries serve as invaluable resources for those tracing family history or seeking to understand the lives of past individuals. They offer a glimpse into a person’s life, relationships, and accomplishments, often containing details not found elsewhere. However, locating obituaries from years past can present a unique set of challenges. This guide will provide you with effective strategies and resources to uncover these historical records.
One of the most effective starting points in your search for obituaries from years ago is leveraging online resources. Many websites specialize in archiving obituaries, making them accessible through digital platforms.
Utilizing Online Obituary Databases and Archives
Several online databases are dedicated to compiling obituaries from various newspapers and regions. Websites like GenealogyBank.com, Newspapers.com, and Find a Grave often have extensive collections of obituaries spanning many years. These platforms allow you to search by name, date range, and location, significantly streamlining the process of finding the obituary you seek. While some of these services may require a subscription, the wealth of information they provide can be well worth the investment for serious researchers.
Beyond general genealogy sites, consider exploring websites specifically associated with funeral homes. As mentioned in the original article, funeral homes often host obituaries on their websites. While older obituaries might not always be digitized, many funeral homes have been archiving records in recent years. Searching the websites of funeral homes in the locality where the deceased lived can sometimes yield results, especially for more recent decades.
Exploring Funeral Home Records Directly
If online searches prove unfruitful, reaching out directly to funeral homes in the relevant area can be a valuable step. Funeral homes frequently keep archives of the services they have managed. While accessing these records may require an in-person visit or direct communication, funeral homes can often provide access to obituaries they have on file, even from many years ago. It’s helpful to know the approximate location and time of death to narrow down your search for the appropriate funeral home.
Libraries and archives represent another rich source of historical obituaries. Many public libraries maintain local history collections, which often include newspaper archives – a prime location for published obituaries. University libraries and historical societies may also hold significant collections of newspapers and local records that contain obituaries. Librarians and archivists are skilled in assisting researchers and can guide you through their collections to locate relevant materials.
Tapping into Genealogy Websites and Societies
Genealogy websites and societies extend beyond obituary databases, offering broader resources that can aid your search. Websites like Ancestry.com and MyHeritage.com contain vast amounts of genealogical data, which can sometimes include links to obituaries or references to them within family trees and historical documents. Local genealogy societies are also invaluable resources. Members often have deep knowledge of local history and record-keeping practices and may be able to provide guidance or access to resources not readily available online.
To maximize your chances of success when searching for obituaries from years ago, keep these tips in mind:
- Gather as much information as possible before you begin. Knowing the full name of the deceased, the approximate date and place of death, and any known family members will significantly refine your search.
- Utilize specific keywords when searching online databases. Experiment with variations of the name, location, and date range to ensure comprehensive results.
- Be patient and persistent. Finding older obituaries can take time and may require exploring multiple resources. Don’t be discouraged if your initial searches don’t yield immediate results.
Finding obituaries from years ago can be a rewarding endeavor, connecting you to the past and enriching your understanding of individual lives and family histories. By utilizing online databases, funeral home records, libraries, archives, and genealogy resources, you can effectively navigate the search process and uncover these valuable historical documents.
