You can use newspaper databases to find genealogical information such as birth, marriage and death records, obituaries and probate cases. You may also find interesting information about your ancestors. In the past newspapers published all kinds of news – local, national and international stories. Because they printed almost everything happening in a community, newspapers are a treasure trove of information about people’s daily lives. 

Beginning your newspaper research

Go to our popular genealogy tools to find free databases and other helpful genealogy resources. Unfortunately, not all newspapers are available to search digitally. If you don’t find the town’s newspaper you need, broaden your search to the county or regional area. My dad grew up in very small towns without newspapers, however, the county seat’s newspaper covered those towns. In a 1922 newspaper I found a story about my grandfather’s car being stolen from his garage. It was just a couple of sentences long, but it was a fun find. 

Looking at old newspapers gives insight into a moment in time. Allow yourself plenty of time to be immersed in that moment. There is an immediacy. You almost feel like you are there and could discuss the news of the day, the weather, gossip, society happenings and advertisements with your ancestors. You gain insight into their daily lives and learn their stories. For me that is what genealogy is about – the facts and the stories that created you.  

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