Revealing The Secrets Of Post Star Obituaries Glens Falls Ny
Revealing The Secrets Of Post Star Obituaries Glens Falls NY: A Step-by-Step Guide
Uncovering information from past obituaries published in The Post-Star of Glens Falls, NY, can be a rewarding endeavor, whether you're tracing family history, conducting genealogical research, or simply curious about the lives of individuals who shaped the community. This guide provides a beginner-friendly approach to navigating the resources available and extracting the information you need.
Prerequisites:
- Basic Computer Literacy: Familiarity with using a web browser, search engines, and online databases is essential.
- Patience: Historical research can sometimes be a slow process requiring persistence and attention to detail.
- Information Gathering: Gather any information you already have about the deceased, such as their full name, approximate date of death, and any known family members. This will significantly speed up your search.
- Potential Costs: While some resources are free, others may require a subscription or pay-per-view access. Be prepared for potential expenses.
- Computer with Internet Access: A reliable internet connection is crucial for accessing online resources.
- Web Browser: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge are all suitable.
- Note-Taking Method: A physical notebook and pen, or a digital document (like a Word document or Google Doc), for recording your findings.
- Optional: Genealogy Software: Programs like Ancestry.com or MyHeritage can help organize your family tree and integrate obituary information.
- Optional: Photo Editing Software: If you find scanned obituaries, you might need software to improve their clarity.
- Spelling Variations: Try searching for the name using different spellings or nicknames.
- Date Range Flexibility: Expand your search date range if you're unsure of the exact date of death.
- Keyword Combinations: Experiment with different keyword combinations to refine your search.
- Contact Experts: If you're struggling to find information, consider contacting a professional genealogist or a local historical researcher.
- Be Patient: Obituary research can be a time-consuming process. Don't get discouraged if you don't find what you're looking for immediately.
Tools:
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Start with The Post-Star's Website: The most logical starting point is The Post-Star's official website (typically found with a Google search for "Post Star Obituaries"). Many newspapers have an online obituary archive, often searchable by name, date range, or keywords.
* Action: Navigate to The Post-Star's website and look for a section labeled "Obituaries," "Death Notices," or similar. If a search function is available, utilize it.
* Troubleshooting: If you can't find an obituary search function directly on the website, try searching Google using the following format: `"site:poststar.com obituary [Deceased's Last Name]"` Replace `[Deceased's Last Name]` with the last name of the person you're looking for.
2. Explore Online Genealogy Databases: Websites like Ancestry.com, MyHeritage, and FindAGrave are invaluable resources for obituary research. These platforms often have extensive collections of digitized newspapers and death records.
* Action: Create a free account on one or more of these platforms (if you don't already have one). Use their search tools to look for obituaries related to Glens Falls, NY, or specifically from The Post-Star.
* Troubleshooting: These platforms often require a subscription for full access. Consider a free trial to see if they contain the information you need before committing to a paid subscription. Start with a broad search, then refine your criteria (e.g., adding a first name, birth year, or location).
3. Utilize Free Online Obituary Databases: While subscription services offer comprehensive features, several free online databases can also be helpful. Sites like Legacy.com and GenealogyBank (often offers limited free access) may contain obituaries indexed from various newspapers, including The Post-Star.
* Action: Search these free databases using the deceased's name and any other relevant information.
* Troubleshooting: Free databases may have incomplete indexing or limited search functionality. Be prepared to experiment with different search terms and combinations.
4. Consider Local Libraries and Historical Societies: Libraries and historical societies in the Glens Falls area are goldmines for historical records, including newspaper archives. They may have physical copies of The Post-Star or microfilm versions available for research.
* Action: Contact the Glens Falls Public Library or the Warren County Historical Society. Inquire about their obituary collection and any associated research services. Ask about access to historical newspaper archives, whether physical or digital.
* Troubleshooting: Access to these resources may require a visit to the library or historical society. Check their hours of operation and any specific guidelines for accessing archival materials.
5. Explore Newspaper Archives Online (Paid Services): Websites like Newspapers.com and NewspaperArchive.com offer digitized versions of thousands of newspapers, including The Post-Star. These services typically require a subscription.
* Action: If the previous steps have been unsuccessful, consider subscribing to one of these newspaper archive services. Search for The Post-Star within the archive and use the search tools to find obituaries.
* Troubleshooting: These archives can be extensive, and searching can be time-consuming. Use precise search terms and limit your search to specific date ranges to narrow down your results.
6. Record Your Findings: As you discover obituaries or related information, meticulously record your findings. Include the deceased's full name, date of death, date of publication, names of surviving family members, and any other relevant details.
* Action: Create a structured note-taking system, whether using a physical notebook or a digital document. Include citations for each source you use (e.g., "The Post-Star, January 1, 2023, p. 12").
* Troubleshooting: Be consistent with your note-taking to avoid confusion later. Back up your digital notes regularly.
7. Verify and Cross-Reference Information: Don't rely solely on obituaries as your only source of information. Verify the details provided with other records, such as birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, census records, and cemetery records.
* Action: Use online genealogy databases or contact government agencies to obtain copies of vital records. Visit cemeteries to photograph gravestones and transcribe inscriptions.
* Troubleshooting: Discrepancies can occur between different sources. Critically evaluate the information and use your best judgment to determine the most accurate account.
Troubleshooting Tips (General):
Summary:
Revealing the secrets of Post Star obituaries in Glens Falls, NY, involves a multi-faceted approach. Starting with The Post-Star's website, then expanding to online genealogy databases (both free and subscription-based), local libraries, and newspaper archives is key. Meticulous record-keeping and verification of information are crucial for accurate research. While the process requires patience and persistence, the rewards of uncovering a person's life story and their connection to the community are well worth the effort. Remember to explore all available resources and don't hesitate to seek help from experts if needed. Good luck with your research!
