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United States Newspapers for Genealogy

Uncovering your genealogy and family history through the use of newspapers.


Try our genealogy search engine


Historical newspapers offer a rich source of information for genealogy research, going beyond simple dates and names found in vital records.

Search at our free historic newspaper depot and find your families newspaper obituaries, birth announcements, marriage notices and wedding announcements, probate and surrogate notices, land and real estate transfers, military service and pensions, and other genealogical data, published in newspapers.


What Can You Find in Newspapers?

  • Newspaper Obituaries and Death Notices: Often provide details like birth and death dates/places, burial location, places lived, accomplishments, and family relationships.
  • Marriage Notices and Wedding Announcements: Name of bride and groom, parents, first or second marriage, where lived, place of marriage, and more. Newspaper marriage notices are perhaps the richest source of marriage records as many vital records were not recorded until much later.
  • Birth Notices and Birth Announcements: Name, parents, date and place of birth.
  • Probate, Surrogate and Estate Notices: Name of deceased and family members, date of death, place of death, where wills, probate, surrogate, and guardianship records may be found, records.
  • Land and Real Estate Transfers: Where lived, when land was bought and sold, possibly spouse.
  • Military Service: Date and place of military service, military pension information, and much more.

How to use newspapers effectively

  • Start with the right newspaper: Local newspapers are usually more informative for genealogy than national ones.
  • Know your ancestor's details: Gather known facts like full name, dates (birth, marriage, death), locations lived, and family members to narrow your search.
  • Use specific dates: Search around known events (births, marriages, deaths) or browse issues for a specific timeframe.
  • Try different search terms: Experiment with full names, first and last names, initials, nicknames, and alternative spellings to account for variations.
  • Utilize advanced search features: Most online archives offer advanced search options to refine your searches by date, location, or publication title.
  • Don't forget browsing: If initial searches yield little, consider browsing newspapers page by page, especially in local news sections.
  • Document your discoveries: Keep careful track of what you find, including citations, to avoid repeating searches and for future reference.
  • Explore multiple resources: Check both online archives (free and subscription-based) and offline sources like local libraries or historical societies for microfilmed copies.
  • Expand your search: If needed, broaden your timeframe or geographic area of focus, or even look at newspapers in nearby towns.

Newspapers are a powerful tool for piecing together your family's story. By diligently exploring these historical records and utilizing effective search strategies, you can unearth a wealth of information that brings your ancestors' lives and the times they lived in to life.


Newspaper Data Online


United States Newspapers By State

Newspapers items of the United States including birth anouncements, marriage notices, obituaries and other newspaper items that can be used for researching your genealogy and family history, sorted by state and county.


More Absolutely Free Newspapers Online

Browse historical newspapers to find your ancestors obituaries absolutely free.



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