Finding the obituary of a loved one or researching family history often leads people to local newspapers like the Parkersburg News and Sentinel. This guide helps you navigate the process of locating obituaries within their archives and offers additional resources to aid your search.
How to Find Obituaries in the Parkersburg News and Sentinel
The Parkersburg News and Sentinel, like many newspapers, maintains an online archive, although access to the full historical archive may require a subscription. Their website is the primary place to start your search. Look for a section clearly labeled "Obituaries" or "Death Notices." This section often features recent obituaries prominently.
To search older obituaries, you'll likely need to utilize their search function. This usually allows you to search by name, date, or keywords related to the deceased. Be as specific as possible with your search terms – including a middle initial or even a maiden name can significantly narrow down the results.
Tips for Successful Searching:
- Use variations of the name: Try different spellings, including nicknames or maiden names.
- Specify dates: If you know the approximate date of death, include this information in your search. Even a range of years can be helpful.
- Utilize keywords: Include relevant keywords such as location (e.g., Parkersburg, West Virginia), occupation, or affiliations.
What if I Can't Find the Obituary Online?
If your search on the Parkersburg News and Sentinel website proves unsuccessful, here are some alternative strategies:
- Contact the newspaper directly: The Parkersburg News and Sentinel's customer service or archives department may be able to assist you further. They might have access to records not yet digitized.
- Check local funeral homes: Funeral homes often keep records of services they've conducted, including obituaries. Searching for funeral homes in Parkersburg that were active during the relevant time period could be fruitful.
- Explore online genealogy resources: Websites like Ancestry.com and Findagrave.com contain extensive obituary collections and may have the obituary you are seeking. These often require subscriptions.
- Visit the Parkersburg Public Library: Local libraries often maintain archives of local newspapers, potentially including microfiche or microfilm copies of older editions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Parkersburg News and Sentinel obituaries free to access online?
Access to recent obituaries might be free, but accessing their full online archive, including older obituaries, typically requires a subscription. Check their website for specific pricing details.
How far back do the Parkersburg News and Sentinel online archives go?
The extent of their online archive varies. The most recent obituaries are generally readily available, but access to older records might be limited or require a subscription. Contacting the newspaper directly is the best way to determine the complete extent of their digital archives.
What information is typically included in a Parkersburg News and Sentinel obituary?
Parkersburg News and Sentinel obituaries typically include the deceased's full name, date of birth and death, cause of death (sometimes omitted), place of residence, surviving family members, and often details about their life, accomplishments, and memorial service information.
Can I submit an obituary to the Parkersburg News and Sentinel?
Yes, the Parkersburg News and Sentinel likely has a process for submitting obituaries. Check their website for specific guidelines and instructions, usually found within their obituary section or a general "Contact Us" page.
This guide should help you effectively search for obituaries within the Parkersburg News and Sentinel's archives and provide alternative options should your initial search prove fruitless. Remember to be patient and persistent – locating historical records can sometimes be a challenging but rewarding process.
