Understanding Where Old Obituaries Are Located
Obituaries from past decades exist in multiple places, and knowing where to look is the first step in your search. Newspapers have published obituaries for over a century, creating vast archives across the United States and beyond. Most major newspapers maintained physical copies in their offices, local libraries, and historical societies. Today, many of these papers have been digitized and made publicly available through various online platforms.
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Libraries remain one of the most valuable resources for obituary research. Most public libraries keep microfilm or microfiche collections of local newspapers dating back decades or even centuries. These materials are often stored in a dedicated research area or archive section. County historical societies and genealogical libraries frequently house even older materials, sometimes going back to the 1800s. State libraries often maintain collections of newspapers from throughout their state, providing a comprehensive view across regions.
Cemetery records also contain information similar to obituaries. Gravestone inscriptions, burial records, and cemetery plot documentation often include birth dates, death dates, family relationships, and sometimes biographical details. Many cemeteries have created indexes of their records, which can be searched online or by contacting the cemetery directly.
Funeral homes sometimes retain records of services they have conducted, though access depends on privacy policies and how long they maintain records. Some funeral homes have digitized their records, while others keep only recent documents. Church records can also contain burial information, especially for older deaths, as many churches kept detailed records of burials in their cemeteries.
Practical takeaway: Start by identifying which library system or historical society covers the geographic area where the person died. Call ahead to understand their hours, what materials they have available, and whether appointments are needed for accessing archives.
Using Newspaper Database Websites for Obituary Searches
Several websites offer free access to digitized newspaper collections, making it possible to search obituaries from your home. Chronicling America (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov) is a project of the Library of Congress that provides free access to millions of pages from American newspapers published between 1777 and 1963. The search function allows you to look by keyword, date, location, and newspaper title. While not every newspaper is included, the collection covers a substantial portion of the country, particularly smaller regional papers that might not be available elsewhere online.
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Google News Archive (news.google.com/newspapers) contains digitized newspapers from various sources and time periods. You can search by keyword and location, and filter results by date range. The interface is straightforward, and articles appear as scanned images that you can read. However, the collection has gaps, and not all newspapers are represented equally.
FamilySearch (familysearch.org), operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, provides free access to a large collection of historical records, including newspaper obituaries. While the site is free to use, some features require creating an account. The obituary collection spans many decades and locations, though coverage varies by region.
State library websites often have their own digitization projects. Many states have created online archives of newspapers specific to their region. For example, Ohio's Ohio Memory project, Kansas's Kansas Memory, and Texas's The Portal to Texas History all offer free newspaper access. Searching your state's library website or historical society can reveal these regional resources.
When using these databases, search strategies matter. Try searching with just the surname first to see what results appear. Then narrow by adding a first name or location. Spelling variations were common in older records, so try alternate spellings if initial searches yield no results. Some databases allow searching within specific date ranges, which can help if you have an approximate year of death.
Practical takeaway: Create a simple spreadsheet tracking which databases you've searched, the names and date ranges you've tried, and what you found. This prevents repeating the same searches and helps you identify gaps in your research.
Accessing Materials Through Public Libraries and Historical Societies
Public libraries remain among the best resources for finding old obituaries, particularly local ones. Most libraries have microfilm readers and staff trained to help navigate archives. Many keep collections of local newspapers on microfilm going back 50, 75, or even 100+ years. To use these resources, visit your local library and ask for the reference or archives department. Staff can direct you to relevant newspaper collections and show you how to use the equipment.
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When visiting a library, bring what information you have about the person: approximate year of death, full name, and any other identifying details like occupation or family members' names. If the library has a card catalog or online system, you can sometimes search for specific newspapers or date ranges before your visit. Many libraries now allow you to request that staff pull specific microfilm boxes, reducing search time during your visit.
County historical societies are particularly valuable for obituary searches. These organizations often maintain extensive collections of local newspapers, photographs, and other historical records. Many historical societies have created indexes of obituaries in their collections, making searches more efficient. Some societies have digitized portions of their collections and posted them online, though others require in-person visits. Contact your county historical society to learn about their obituary resources and any fees for research assistance.
State libraries often have regional collections and can sometimes conduct searches on your behalf for a small fee. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) maintains information about historical records across the country and can guide you to relevant repositories. Many academic libraries also maintain historical newspaper collections that are open to the public, even if you're not a student.
Some libraries offer interlibrary loan services, meaning they can request microfilm from other libraries if your local library doesn't have what you need. This service is usually free or low-cost and takes one to two weeks. Staff at your library can explain how this process works and whether it's available in your area.
Practical takeaway: Before visiting any archive in person, call ahead or check their website to confirm hours, parking availability, and whether you need to register or schedule an appointment. Ask what materials they have and whether you should bring any special equipment like reading glasses.
Searching Ancestry-Focused and Genealogy Websites
Genealogy websites have become repositories for millions of historical records, including obituaries. While some genealogy sites charge subscription fees, several offer free content or limited free access. Understanding which sites have free obituary materials can help you find information without cost.
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FamilySearch remains one of the largest free genealogy resources. In addition to digitized newspapers, FamilySearch hosts death records, burial records, and obituaries submitted by users. You can search the database by name and location. The advantage of FamilySearch is that it's completely free and doesn't require a paid subscription. The disadvantage is that the collection depends partly on volunteer contributions, so coverage varies significantly by region and time period.
Ancestry.com is the largest subscription genealogy database, but it does offer some free content. If you access Ancestry through your public library, you may be able to use it at no cost. Many libraries provide free access to Ancestry.com for library card holders, either through computers in the library or remotely from home. Check your library's website or call to see if this service is available to you.
FindAGrave (findagrave.com) is a free website where volunteers create memorial pages for people buried in cemeteries. While not technically obituaries, these pages often contain death dates, birth dates, family information, and sometimes biographical details. Many memorial pages include transcriptions of headstone information. You can search by name and browse cemetery listings.
Legacy.com operates a network of memorial websites connected to newspapers and funeral homes. Some content is free to view, and you can search for obituaries by name and location. The site includes both recent and historical obituaries, though newer ones are more commonly featured.
Cyndi's List (cyndislist.com) is a comprehensive directory of genealogy websites. While Cyndi's List itself doesn't host obituaries, it links to thousands of obituary resources organized by location and type. This site is particularly useful for finding regional and state-specific obituary collections that you might not discover through a general search.
Practical takeaway: Before paying for a subscription to any genealogy website, contact your local library to see what resources they provide for free. Many libraries offer access to major genealogy databases, saving you significant money.
Newspaper Subscription Archives and Paid Resources
Some newspaper archives require payment to access, though these services often provide superior search capabilities and more complete collections than free sites. Understanding the difference between free and paid resources helps you decide which tools fit your situation and budget.