Practical research

Obituary search guides

Use these guides to choose a source, improve a difficult name search and understand which record can answer your question.

How to Find an Obituary for a Specific Person

A practical step-by-step method for finding an obituary using a name, place, date, newspapers and funeral-home sources.

Learn how to search historical newspapers, archives and genealogy databases for an old obituary or death notice.

Understand the difference between an obituary, death notice, funeral notice, memorial and civil death record before you search.

A clear paragraph-by-paragraph guide to writing an obituary, with advice on local customs, newspaper requirements, timing and checking facts.