How to Find Obituraries for People Who Died in the Past for Free

When someone dies in a community, the death usually receives anywhere from mild to intense local attention. An obituary for the departed can appear in a television news broadcast, a newspaper article or even on the Internet. If you dig deep enough, you should be able to find some copy of the obituary, even if the death took place years ago. With so many resources at your disposal, there is no need to pay for the obituary information. If you put in enough hard work, you will uncover the obituary record for free.

Things You'll Need

• Computer

Instructions

1. Visit the website for the National Endowment of Humanities (see resource below) to research their United States Newspaper Program. The Newspaper Program catalogs almost three centuries of newspaper articles, including obituaries.

2. Browse your local library's newspaper archives for the obituary. Many local libraries keep at least one copy of each local newspaper, allowing you to use them for research purposes. Visit the library in the community where the person died to increase your chances to find the obituary.

3. Visit the radio stations and news outlets in your community (or the community that published the obituary). If the newspapers and radio stations in your community publish or broadcast obituaries, they may keep an announcement archive. Ask them if they can find a copy of the old obituary for you.

4. Visit the family of the deceased (only as a last resort) to ask for the obituary information. Some families may keep a copy of the obituary to help remember the accomplishments of their loved one. When you visit the family, preserve the family's feelings (even if the person in question died many years ago) and fully disclose the reason for your visit.

Tips & Warnings

• If the local news outlets want to charge you for the obituary information, turn down their help. You shouldn't have to pay for collecting research material. A church may keep records and the obituaries of their deceased members, so the house of worship can be a valuable resource in your search.

References

• Genwriters: Obituaries; Treasure Troves of Informatiom

Resources

• National Endowment of Humanities: U.S. Newspaper Program