The process of searching obituaries for free can be a daunting task, especially for those who are not familiar with the various resources available online. Obituaries are a great way to find information about deceased individuals, including their birth and death dates, family members, and other relevant details. In this article, we will explore the different ways to search obituaries for free, including online databases, newspapers, and other resources.
Online Databases
There are several online databases that offer free access to obituaries. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Legacy.com: This website offers a comprehensive database of obituaries from newspapers and funeral homes across the United States and Canada. You can search by name, date range, and location to find obituaries.
- ObituaryLink.com: This website provides access to a large database of obituaries from various sources, including newspapers and funeral homes. You can search by name, date range, and location to find obituaries.
- FamilySearch.org: This website, operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offers a free database of obituaries and other genealogical records. You can search by name, date range, and location to find obituaries.
Newspaper Archives
Many newspapers offer free access to their archives, including obituaries. You can search online archives of newspapers to find obituaries from past issues. Some popular newspaper archives include:
- The New York Times: The New York Times offers a free archive of obituaries dating back to 1851.
- The Washington Post: The Washington Post offers a free archive of obituaries dating back to 1877.
- The Los Angeles Times: The Los Angeles Times offers a free archive of obituaries dating back to 1881.
Funeral Home Websites
Many funeral homes offer free access to obituaries on their websites. You can search by name, date range, and location to find obituaries on funeral home websites. Some popular funeral home websites include:
- DignityMemorial.com: This website offers a database of obituaries from Dignity Memorial funeral homes across the United States and Canada.
- Legacy.com Funeral Home Directory: This website offers a directory of funeral homes across the United States and Canada, with links to their websites and obituary databases.
Government Records
Government records can also be a valuable resource for finding obituaries. Some popular government records include:
- Social Security Death Index: This database, operated by the Social Security Administration, offers information on deceased individuals, including their birth and death dates.
- National Archives and Records Administration: This website offers access to a variety of government records, including obituaries and other genealogical records.
Tips for Searching Obituaries
Searching obituaries can be a challenging task, especially if you are not familiar with the resources available. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Start with online databases: Online databases, such as Legacy.com and ObituaryLink.com, offer a comprehensive database of obituaries from various sources.
- Use specific search terms: Use specific search terms, such as the deceased individual’s name, date range, and location, to find relevant obituaries.
- Check newspaper archives: Newspaper archives can be a valuable resource for finding obituaries from past issues.
- Contact funeral homes: Funeral homes can provide information on obituaries, including those that are not available online.
What is the best way to search for obituaries online?
+The best way to search for obituaries online is to start with online databases, such as Legacy.com and ObituaryLink.com, and use specific search terms, such as the deceased individual's name, date range, and location.
How can I access newspaper archives for free?
+Many newspapers offer free access to their archives, including obituaries. You can search online archives of newspapers to find obituaries from past issues.
What information can I find in an obituary?
+An obituary typically includes information about the deceased individual, such as their birth and death dates, family members, and other relevant details.
In conclusion, searching obituaries for free can be a challenging task, but with the right resources and tips, you can find the information you need. Online databases, newspaper archives, funeral home websites, and government records can all be valuable resources for finding obituaries. By using specific search terms and checking multiple sources, you can increase your chances of finding the obituary you are looking for.