Obituaries & Family History

Using obituary records as a foundation for genealogy and family research.

Building a Family Narrative: Turning Raw Obituary Data Into a Coherent History
Featured · Obituaries & Family History

Building a Family Narrative: Turning Raw Obituary Data Into a Coherent History

Collecting names and dates is only the beginning. Learn how to weave obituary findings with other records into a readable, well-sourced family history.

By Obituary Search Editorial Team · 6 min · Dec 30, 2025
Common Myths About Obituaries as Historical Sources
Obituaries & Family History

Common Myths About Obituaries as Historical Sources

Many researchers assume obituaries are always accurate or comprehensive. This article examines the most widespread misconceptions and what…

By Obituary Search Editorial Team · 7 min · May 23, 2024
Digitised vs. Physical Obituary Archives: Navigating Both for Family Research
Obituaries & Family History

Digitised vs. Physical Obituary Archives: Navigating Both for Family Research

Online obituary databases and physical newspaper archives each have different coverage and reliability. Here's how to choose the right approach for your search.

By Obituary Search Editorial Team · 6 min · Jul 22, 2024
Newspaper Obituaries vs. Funeral Home Records: What Each Source Offers Genealogists
Obituaries & Family History

Newspaper Obituaries vs. Funeral Home Records: What Each Source Offers Genealogists

Newspaper obituaries and funeral home records preserve different details. Understand the strengths and gaps of each before deciding where to search first.

By Obituary Search Editorial Team · 7 min · Oct 2, 2023
Obituaries Across Generations: How Their Format and Content Have Changed
Obituaries & Family History

Obituaries Across Generations: How Their Format and Content Have Changed

The information included in obituaries has shifted significantly over the past century. Understanding these changes helps researchers interpret older records accurately.

By Obituary Search Editorial Team · 5 min · Aug 15, 2023
Obituary Research Checklist for Genealogy Projects
Obituaries & Family History

Obituary Research Checklist for Genealogy Projects

Use this step-by-step checklist to organise your obituary search, verify key details, and cross-reference findings with other public records.

By Obituary Search Editorial Team · 5 min · Mar 1, 2024
Obituary Research for Genealogy: A Comprehensive Starting Guide
Obituaries & Family History

Obituary Research for Genealogy: A Comprehensive Starting Guide

New to using obituaries for family history? This guide covers where to find them, how to read them critically, and how they connect to the wider public record system.

By Obituary Search Editorial Team · 8 min · Nov 1, 2023
Public Records That Pair Naturally With Obituary Research
Obituaries & Family History

Public Records That Pair Naturally With Obituary Research

Death certificates, census records, and probate files all complement obituary searches. Discover which records work together to fill genealogical gaps.

By Obituary Search Editorial Team · 6 min · Dec 29, 2023
Reading Between the Lines: How Obituary Language Reflects Family Structure
Obituaries & Family History

Reading Between the Lines: How Obituary Language Reflects Family Structure

Phrases like 'survived by' or 'preceded in death by' carry structured meaning. Learn how to interpret obituary conventions to map family relationships accurately.

By Obituary Search Editorial Team · 8 min · Apr 16, 2025
The Genealogist's Complete Guide to Obituaries and Death Records
Obituaries & Family History

The Genealogist's Complete Guide to Obituaries and Death Records

An end-to-end resource covering every aspect of obituary and death record research — from locating archives to citing sources and resolving conflicts in your family tree.

By Obituary Search Editorial Team · 10 min · Mar 24, 2025
The Hidden Genealogical Data Embedded in a Single Obituary
Obituaries & Family History

The Hidden Genealogical Data Embedded in a Single Obituary

A single obituary can point to birth records, migration patterns, maiden names, and more. This guide decodes the layers of family history hiding in plain sight.

By Obituary Search Editorial Team · 7 min · Jan 23, 2023
Tracing a Family Tree Using Obituaries as Your Starting Point
Obituaries & Family History

Tracing a Family Tree Using Obituaries as Your Starting Point

Obituaries name relatives, places, and dates that can anchor your genealogy research. Here's how to use them to build outward into a fuller family history.

By Obituary Search Editorial Team · 7 min · Nov 17, 2023
Using Obituaries to Research Immigrant Ancestors: Opportunities and Limitations
Obituaries & Family History

Using Obituaries to Research Immigrant Ancestors: Opportunities and Limitations

Obituaries for immigrant relatives may reference home countries, name changes, or ethnic communities. Discover what they can and cannot tell you about origins abroad.

By Obituary Search Editorial Team · 6 min · Mar 19, 2024
What an Obituary Actually Records — and What It Leaves Out
Obituaries & Family History

What an Obituary Actually Records — and What It Leaves Out

Obituaries are rich but imperfect sources. Learn what information they typically contain, what's often omitted, and why that matters for family research.

By Obituary Search Editorial Team · 8 min · Jul 12, 2025
When No Obituary Exists: Alternative Paths for Tracing a Deceased Relative
Obituaries & Family History

When No Obituary Exists: Alternative Paths for Tracing a Deceased Relative

Not every death was marked by a published obituary. Explore the public records and archives that can fill the gap when standard obituary searches come up empty.

By Obituary Search Editorial Team · 7 min · Feb 2, 2026
Why Obituary Details Sometimes Contradict Other Family Records
Obituaries & Family History

Why Obituary Details Sometimes Contradict Other Family Records

Dates, names, and survivor lists in obituaries can conflict with official records. Learn why these discrepancies occur and how to resolve them in your research.

By Obituary Search Editorial Team · 6 min · Oct 9, 2023