By Rob B.
Obituaries and death records are an important component of genealogical research, and can be great sources of information when assembling a family tree. There are some great library resources and external sites that provide access to both.
Databases
- Heritage Hub - A rich collection of obituary content from US newspapers dating back to 1704. This is your go-to resource if when seeking newspaper obituary information. For FAQs and a video tutorial on how to search the database, click on the How to use Heritage Hub link in the top right corner of the screen.
- Ancestry Library Edition – A database of death certificates from many US states. Coverage varies from state to state. You can check availability by state by accessing ALE, clicking the “Search” tab in the top left corner of the screen, selecting “All Collections” from the drop-menu, and by clicking on the desired state on the US map. Note that this database can only be accessed while visiting your local community library.
Historical News Archives
- ProQuest Historic Newspapers - A database of obituary content in US newspapers of record. Available newspapers are:
- Many of our libraries retain microfilm of local newspaper content not presently available online. If you’re looking for obituaries that may have run in local newspapers, check with reference staff at your local community library. If the desired microfilm is unavailable through Sno-Isle, reference staff can assist in obtaining microfilm via interlibrary loan.
- The Washington State Digital Archives - A database of Washington state death records from 1907 to 2017. Scanned death certificates are available up to 1999. Index records only 2000-2017. Records can be searched by entering a name, and by changing the Collections drop-down menu to Death Records.
Book a Librarian
Library staff can help you get started with your research project. Meet one-on-one with a librarian at your community library to receive personalized, step-by-step assistance with accessing online databases, microfilm archives and more. Schedule a Book a Librarian appointment.
Information provided by the Sno-Isle Libraries does not imply recommendation or endorsement, is not interpreted and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a (law, engineering, financial, health care, etc.) provider.
