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How to Find Old Obituaries

If you’ve ever wondered how to look up old obituaries, you’re absolutely not alone. Finding an old obituary can sometimes be as easy as entering in someone’s full name and the word “obituary” on Google, while other times it can be quite the undertaking. If you've asked yourself, “How can I find an old obituary?”, you’ve come to the right article.

Why is it so hard to find old obituaries?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a single place where you can find old obituaries. Finding an old obituary is often about exhausting different options until you locate the obituary you’re looking for. Finding old obituaries can be challenging for several reasons:

1. Limited online availability: Many older obituaries were published in newspapers before the digital age. While some newspapers have digitized their archives and made them accessible online, not all newspapers have done so. This means that older obituaries may not be readily available on the internet.

2. Lack of indexing: Even if newspapers have digitized their archives, not all obituaries may be indexed or searchable by name. This can make it difficult to locate specific obituaries without knowing the exact date of publication or other identifying information.

3. Incomplete records: Obituaries may not have been consistently published for all individuals in the past, especially for those who were not prominent members of the community. Additionally, obituaries may have been omitted or missed due to errors or oversights in the publishing or digitization process.

4. Decay of physical copies: Physical copies of newspapers may deteriorate over time, especially if they were not properly preserved. This can make it challenging to access older newspapers in libraries or archives, particularly if they are not available in digital format.

5. Changes in newspaper ownership: Newspapers may change ownership or cease publication over time, leading to disruptions in access to historical archives. In some cases, newspaper archives may be lost or destroyed during these transitions.

6. Privacy concerns: In some cases, privacy laws or editorial policies may restrict access to certain obituaries, especially those that are relatively recent. This can make it more difficult to find obituaries for individuals who died within the past few decades.

The difficulty of finding old obituaries often stems from a combination of factors related to the availability, accessibility, and preservation of historical records. Despite these challenges, diligent research using a variety of resources and methods can often yield valuable information about past obituaries. So then, how exactly do you find old obituaries? By searching in as many places as you can!

Is there such a thing as an old obituary finder?

While there isn’t a central single database that helps you look up old obituaries for free, there are certain tools and services that can help you in finding an old obituary. These are typically online platforms or databases that aggregate obituaries from various sources, such as newspapers, funeral homes, and genealogy records. If you’re wondering how to locate old obituaries, these are some great places to start:

1. Obituary search engines: Not sure how to locate old obituaries? Going on websites like Everloved.com, Legacy.com, Tributes.com, and Obituaries.com is a perfect place to start. These websites allow users to perform an old obituary search for free by name, location, date of death, and other criteria. These platforms often have extensive databases containing obituaries from across the United States.

2. Genealogy websites: Genealogy websites such as Ancestry.com, Findmypast, and FamilySearch offer tools and databases for researching family history, including obituaries. Users can search these databases by name, location, and other parameters to find old obituaries.

3. Newspaper archives: Many newspapers have digitized their archives and made them accessible online. Websites like Newspapers.com, GenealogyBank, and NewspaperArchive.com provide access to historical newspaper articles, including obituaries, through subscription-based services.

4. Public libraries: Some public libraries offer access to obituary search tools and databases as part of their genealogy or local history resources. You can inquire at your local library or visit their website to see what resources are available.

5. Paid obituary research services: There are companies and individuals that offer obituary research services for a fee. These services may include searching newspaper archives, contacting local libraries or archives, and obtaining copies of obituaries on behalf of clients.

While these tools and services can be helpful in finding old obituaries, it's important to keep in mind that not all obituaries may be available online, especially for older records. In some cases, you may need to use a combination of online resources and offline methods, such as visiting libraries or contacting newspaper offices, to locate the obituary you're seeking.

How to find old obituaries for free offline

In addition to searching for old obituaries online, there are several other methods you can use to find them:

1. Local libraries and archives: Visit your local library or historical society and inquire about their newspaper archives. Many libraries keep physical copies of newspapers, including old obituaries. Librarians or archivists may also be able to assist you in your search.

2. Newspaper offices: Contact the newspaper offices in the area where the individual lived or died. Some newspapers maintain archives of past issues, including obituaries. You can inquire about accessing these archives or obtaining copies of old obituaries.

3. Genealogy societies and organizations: Genealogy societies and organizations often have resources and expertise in accessing historical records, including obituaries. Reach out to local or regional genealogy societies for assistance with your search.

4. Vital records offices: If you know the location where the individual died, you can contact the state or county vital records office to request a copy of the obituary. There may be a fee associated with this service, and you may need to provide specific information such as the date of death.

5. Funeral homes: Contact funeral homes in the area where the individual lived or died. Funeral homes may keep records of past funerals and obituaries. They may be able to provide you with a copy of the obituary or direct you to where it can be found.

6. Cemetery records: Visit local cemeteries or search cemetery records online. Some cemetery websites provide information about individuals buried there, including obituaries or links to obituary databases.

7. Social media and online forums: Join genealogy-related groups or forums on social media platforms or websites. Sometimes, family members or genealogy enthusiasts may have posted old obituaries or have tips for finding them. You can also post a request for assistance with your search.

8. Local historical societies: Local historical societies often maintain archives of historical documents, including newspapers and obituaries. Reach out to the historical society in the area where the individual lived for assistance with your search.

By exploring these alternative methods, you can increase your chances of finding old obituaries and gathering valuable information about your family history or research subject.

If you can’t find an old obituary for someone, you can always create an obituary for free on Ever Loved. Writing an obituary may sound like a larger undertaking, but it’s very easy with Ever Loved. Ever Loved lets you post an obituary for free, provides templates, examples, and even can help you write an obituary using AI. Once you’re finished, it’s posted on a memorial website where everyone can see.

Publish a free obituary