Death notices and obituaries are important for genealogy and historical records. They provide valuable information about a person’s life, family, and community. They can even serve as primary sources for tracing ancestry and understanding local history.
Brooklyn, New York has a diverse population and a rich history, making it a treasure trove for genealogical research. Fortunately, there are many resources available, both online and offline, to help you find Brooklyn death notices.
This article will guide you through the process of finding and using Brooklyn, New York death notices for your research.
How to find Brooklyn, NY obituary archives
If you’re searching for Brooklyn death notices, there are several places you can look.
Online genealogy resources
- GenealogyBank: This online service has a huge collection of digitized Brooklyn obituaries — more than 330 years’ worth. GenealogyBank reports that over 95% of its database can’t be found anywhere else.
- Legacy.com: This website is dedicated to obituaries and may have some Brooklyn death notices in its archives. You may have to pass a security check to access the site.
Newspaper archives
Many libraries and historical societies keep old newspapers in their collections. You may be able to view these archives in person or, in some cases, online.
Effective Search Strategies for Brooklyn Death Notices
Finding the right death notice can be tricky. Here are a few strategies that may help you locate the information you need.
Basic Search Techniques
- Begin with the last name of the deceased.
- If you get too many results, add the first name and middle name to narrow your search.
Advanced Search Techniques
- Use keywords like specific towns or neighborhoods within Brooklyn to narrow your search.
- Exclude any keywords that might be giving you irrelevant results.
- Specify a range of years to focus on a specific period.
- Use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) and proximity searches to further refine your results.
Coping with Inaccuracies
- Remember that historical records may contain errors, so double-check your information using multiple sources.
- Check for common misspellings of the names you’re researching.
How to use death notices for genealogy
Brooklyn death notices and obituaries are great sources of information when you’re researching your family tree. Here are some tips for getting the most out of them:
- Extract genealogical information: Obituaries often include dates of birth and death, family names, and biographical details. Death notices usually include funeral and burial locations.
- Cross-reference with other records: Supplement your research with U.S. Census records, marriage records, and birth records.
- Expand the search: Start with known ancestors and work backward to trace lineages. For female relatives, search by initials or spouse’s name. Look into any relatives mentioned in the death notices.
In Summary
Brooklyn death notices provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of people who lived in Brooklyn long ago. To find the information you’re looking for, be sure to try a variety of search strategies and explore multiple resources.
By combining online databases, newspaper archives, and advanced search techniques, you’ll be well on your way to building an accurate family history.