Introduction
Looking for an old obituary? You might need it to learn about family members, confirm a death record, or complete family history. Obituaries often include names, dates, and funeral home details. But finding one from the 20th century or earlier can be hard.
Thankfully, you can search using online tools, library records, and even church death records. Here's how.
Start with Free Online Resources Free online resources are a great first step. Try these sites:
- FamilySearch offers millions of vital records and online obituary records.
- Legacy.com lists obituaries from funeral homes and newspapers.
- Obits Archive, Tribute Archive, and Reddit forums also help in finding an obituary.
Toggle the table of contents when available to stay up to date on new tools.
Try Local Libraries and Historical Societies
Libraries often keep newspaper archives and obituary indexes. For example, Springfield Library lets you search online.
Reach out to historical societies and genealogical groups. These groups may store old clippings or help you search local newspaper archives.
Explore Government and Church Records
Government and church records can fill the gaps. Start with:
- Town clerks for certified copies of a death
- Church funeral logs and cemetery burial records
- State offices that hold vital records or death certificates
In the United States, each state has different record access rules. New York State and the United Kingdom both keep detailed databases. Some may ask for a small fee or a credit card.
Contact the Newspaper Directly
If you know the newspaper that published the obituary, reach out to them. Even if it no longer exists, its records may be in state historic or American historical collections.
Many archives preserve newspapers from the 20th century on microfilm. Check local libraries or museums, too.
Tips for Searching Obituaries Effectively
Follow these tips to improve your search:
- Use full names, nicknames, and maiden names
- Include the place of death—city, state, or region
- Try alternate spellings or misspellings
- Search for friends and family obituaries for clues
- Use a date range if you're unsure of the exact year
What If You Still Can’t Find It?
Still no luck? Try these options:
- Hire a genealogist
- Post a request on forums like OnGenealogy or GeneaMusings
- Look for related documents like birth certificates, Social Security records, or death certificates
- In rare cases, you may need a court order to access restricted records
What Does Our Internal Survey Say?
In a 2025 survey of 737 users:
- Ancestry.com was the top choice for finding obituaries and historical records
- FamilySearch was rated best for free online resources
- Newspapers.com led for newspaper archives in the United States
- Find a Grave was top for cemetery burial records (63%)
- Users praised state historic libraries and local archives for hard-to-find obituaries
The lesson? Start with online tools, but don't overlook local resources.
Conclusion
Finding an old obituary takes patience. Use a mix of free online resources, government records, and newspaper archives. Each step can bring you closer to the details you need.
Still looking? Search a blog post, ask your local library, or explore a free trial at Newspapers.com. You’re just one step away from discovering your family’s story.
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