{"id":45727,"date":"2018-12-06T11:19:49","date_gmt":"2018-12-06T16:19:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.genealogybank.com\/?p=45727"},"modified":"2018-12-06T11:20:09","modified_gmt":"2018-12-06T16:20:09","slug":"why-newspapers-are-essential-for-genealogy-research","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.genealogybank.com\/blog\/why-newspapers-are-essential-for-genealogy-research.html","title":{"rendered":"Why Newspapers Are Essential for Genealogy Research"},"content":{"rendered":"

Our ancestors existed in a time before the Internet, electronic record keeping, social media, and in some cases centralized databases. A time of paper, ink, quills, and the printing press. Periodicals, local newspapers, and letters \u2013 not blogs or social media \u2013 were the primary way people stayed informed of the outside world.<\/p>\n

Not only did newspapers provide stories relevant to their contemporary audience, they also included details that make them invaluable to those studying their genealogy today. Learning how to find your family history in newspapers is not as difficult as you might think. We\u2019re sharing tips on how to search newspaper archives<\/a> and find new details and a window to our past.<\/p>\n

The History of Newspapers<\/strong><\/p>\n

The use of the printing press became widespread in early 16th century Europe. Initially known as \u201ccourants\u201d or \u201ccurrents of news,\u201d yearly local bulletins became community monthly gazettes which then became weekly or daily newspapers covering world news. Publick Occurrences Both Forreign and Domestick<\/a> was the first newspaper published in the U.S., in 1690. By the time of the Industrial Revolution, the morning newspaper had become a tradition.<\/p>\n

\"Publick<\/a>
Publick Occurrences Both Forreign and Domestick (Boston, Massachusetts), 25 September 1690, page 1<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Why Search for Your Ancestors in Newspaper Archives?<\/strong><\/p>\n

At first, it may seem unlikely or daunting to find your ancestors in newspaper archives, especially if you have a common last name. However, learning how to find your family history in newspapers can help you uncover unknown facts and stories about your ancestors.<\/p>\n

Newspapers were used to inform readers of both the world and local community events. They announced births, deaths, marriages, personal achievements, and more. In this aspect, the newspaper took on the role of the local town crier. If an event or person were worthy of celebration (or damnation), then a story would undoubtedly be found in your local, regional, or state newspaper.<\/p>\n

Because newspapers reported on the everyday occurrences of their communities, digitized, archived newspaper collections provide insights into our ancestors\u2019 lives. Even your relatively unknown ancestors were likely featured in their local paper. Did Aunt Mabel win the pie contest every year at the county fair? If so, this may be local news.<\/p>\n

As social sections of newspapers grew so did the commentary of community events. Here are a few of the types of stories published in newspapers which can help you learn more about your ancestors:<\/p>\n