Unearthing the Departed: A Guide to Philly Obituaries of Yore
Let's face it, folks, digging up the past ain't always about buried treasure (although, a good family secret or two wouldn't hurt). Sometimes, you just gotta track down an old obituary in the City of Brotherly Love. But fear not, intrepid genealogist/nosey neighbor/mystery novelist, this guide will have you navigating Philly's obituary archives like a seasoned pro.
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| How Do I Find An Old Obituary In Philadelphia |
Delving into the Digital Depths:
The first stop on our obituary odyssey is the wonderful world of the internet. Buckle up, because we're about to explore some fantastic resources:
- The Mighty Inquirer Online Archive (1981-Present): If your dearly departed kicked the bucket somewhat recently (relatively speaking), the Philadelphia Inquirer's online archive might be your golden ticket. They've got a treasure trove of obituaries readily searchable by name. Just a heads up, some access might require a subscription, but hey, a little knowledge about Uncle Fred is worth a few bucks, right?
- Legacy.com: This website is a great all-rounder for finding obituaries across the nation, including the Philadelphia area. Search by name and location, and with a bit of luck, you might just unearth that elusive obituary.
Bonus Tip: Don't forget to check out general obituary search engines. A quick Google search for "obituary search" can lead you to some hidden gems.
When the Internet Fails: Dusty Tomes to the Rescue!
Now, let's say the internet lets you down. Maybe your great-great-grandma passed away before the age of dial-up. Fear not, intrepid explorer! We've got analog options:
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
- The Free Library of Philadelphia: This grand dame of libraries houses a microfilm collection of Philadelphia newspapers dating way back. With a little elbow grease (and possibly an afternoon spent battling microfilm machines), you might just find what you're looking for.
- Historical Societies: Did your ancestor live in a specific part of Philadelphia? Many historical societies have archived local newspapers that might hold the key to your obituary quest.
Remember: These resources might require a visit in person, so plan your obituary expedition accordingly.
Cracking the Obituary Code: Extra Tips
- Go beyond the basics: A common last name can make your search a nightmare. Include any additional info you have, like middle names, professions, or even nicknames (yeah, Uncle "Cheesesteak" McGillicuddy, we're looking at you).
- Think outside the box: Obituaries might not just be in newspapers. Funeral home websites sometimes archive old obituaries.
- Embrace the power of "perhaps": If you can't find an exact obituary, look for death notices or mentions in local news articles from around the time of passing.
Now, get out there and sleuth like Sherlock Holmes...of obituaries!
Frequently Asked Questions:
How to narrow down my search on GenealogyBank?
Tip: Patience makes reading smoother.
GenealogyBank offers fancy search options like proximity searches (terms appearing near each other) and Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to refine your results.
How to find cemetery records in Philadelphia?
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The City of Philadelphia provides resources to help you find cemetery records, which might offer clues about your ancestor's obituary.
Tip: Use this post as a starting point for exploration.
How to search for obituaries on a budget?
Many libraries offer free access to microfilm collections and historical archives.
How to find obituaries in a specific Philadelphia neighborhood?
Tip: Reflect on what you just read.
Local historical societies often have archives of neighborhood newspapers that might hold obituaries.
How to get help with my obituary search?
Genealogical societies often have volunteers who can assist with your research.
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