Finding obituaries for loved ones or researching family history often involves navigating online archives. The Daytona Beach News-Journal, like many newspapers, maintains an online archive of its published obituaries, though access and searchability can vary. This guide will provide you with the most effective strategies for accessing the Daytona Beach News-Journal obituary archives.
How to Search the Daytona Beach News-Journal Obituary Archives
Unfortunately, the Daytona Beach News-Journal doesn't offer a readily accessible, free, fully searchable online obituary archive like some larger newspapers. Their online obituary search functionality is often limited. Your best approach involves a multi-pronged strategy:
1. Using the News-Journal's Website:
Begin by visiting the official Daytona Beach News-Journal website. Look for a section dedicated to obituaries. This might be labeled "Obituaries," "Death Notices," or something similar. While a comprehensive, searchable archive may not be directly available, they might list recent obituaries. You might find some older obituaries listed here, but coverage isn't guaranteed for all years.
2. Utilizing Online Search Engines:
This is arguably the most effective approach. Use a search engine like Google or Bing and construct your search query carefully. Try variations like:
"Daytona Beach News-Journal" obituary [deceased's name]"Daytona Beach News-Journal" obituaries [deceased's name] [year](if you know the year of death)"Daytona Beach News-Journal" obituaries [deceased's age] [city/town](if you only know partial information)
Remember to include quotation marks around the newspaper's name to ensure that those words are searched together. Experiment with different keyword combinations until you find a suitable result.
3. Exploring Genealogy Websites:
Several genealogy websites, such as Ancestry.com, MyHeritage, and Findagrave.com, often index newspaper obituaries. While you'll likely need a subscription to access many of these resources, they can be incredibly helpful if your search on the News-Journal's website and through general web searches proves unsuccessful. These sites aggregate information from various sources, including newspapers, offering a broader reach.
4. Checking Local Libraries:
Your local library may have a collection of microfilms or physical copies of the Daytona Beach News-Journal dating back many years. Libraries often hold extensive newspaper archives which can be a goldmine for historical research, including obituary searches. Contact your local library's reference desk to inquire about their newspaper archives and access procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to accessing Daytona Beach News-Journal obituary archives:
Q: How far back do the Daytona Beach News-Journal obituaries archives go?
A: The extent of their accessible online archive is unclear. The depth of coverage is likely limited on their website. To access older obituaries, you will probably need to use the methods described above, particularly the genealogy websites and local libraries.
Q: Is there a cost associated with accessing the archives?
A: Accessing recent obituaries on the News-Journal's website might be free, but access to older obituaries through genealogy sites will usually require a paid subscription. Library access is typically free but may require a library card.
Q: What information is typically included in a Daytona Beach News-Journal obituary?
A: Typically, a Daytona Beach News-Journal obituary will include the deceased's full name, date of birth, date of death, cause of death (sometimes), place of death, survivors (spouse, children, siblings, etc.), services information, and biographical details about the deceased's life.
Q: What should I do if I can't find the obituary I'm looking for?
A: If your search proves fruitless, try expanding your search parameters. Consider contacting the Daytona Beach News-Journal directly. You can also try searching for variations of the deceased's name or including other identifying information like their address or profession.
By using a combination of these techniques, you significantly improve your chances of successfully locating the obituary you're searching for in the Daytona Beach News-Journal archives. Remember to be patient and persistent; genealogical research often requires time and effort.
