Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Obituary Archives: Unearthing Your Family History

Tracing your family history can be a deeply rewarding experience, connecting you to generations past and uncovering fascinating stories. A crucial resource in this journey is access to historical obituaries, offering invaluable details about ancestors' lives, relationships, and even migration patterns. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel obituary archives provide a rich trove of such information for anyone researching their Wisconsin roots.

This article will guide you through navigating the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's obituary archives, highlighting helpful search strategies and tips to maximize your genealogical research.

Accessing the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Obituary Archives

While the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel doesn't offer a free, fully searchable online archive of every obituary ever published, several avenues can help you access this valuable historical data:

• Newspapers.com: This subscription-based website aggregates numerous historical newspapers, including a significant portion of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's obituary collection. It offers powerful search tools, allowing you to filter by date, name, keywords, and even location within the newspaper. While it requires a paid subscription, the comprehensive nature of the database makes it a worthwhile investment for serious genealogy researchers.

• Ancestry.com: Similar to Newspapers.com, Ancestry.com offers access to a large collection of digitized newspapers, including many Milwaukee Journal Sentinel obituaries. Ancestry.com also boasts extensive genealogical records beyond newspapers, making it a comprehensive resource for family history research. Again, a paid subscription is required.

• Milwaukee Public Library: The Milwaukee Public Library likely holds extensive physical archives of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. They may offer limited online access or require in-person research. Check their website or contact them directly for availability and access details.

• FamilySearch.org: This free website, maintained by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, contains a growing collection of digitized historical records, including some newspaper obituaries. While not guaranteed to contain every Milwaukee Journal Sentinel obituary, it's worth exploring as a free option.

Effective Search Strategies for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Obituaries

Finding your ancestors within the vast Milwaukee Journal Sentinel archives requires a strategic approach:

• Start with what you know: Begin with the name, birthdate (or approximate birthdate), and death date of your ancestor. Even partial information can yield results.

• Explore variations in spelling: Consider variations in spelling of the surname and given names, accounting for potential misspellings or anglicized versions.

• Use keywords: In addition to names and dates, incorporate keywords related to your ancestor's profession, location, or any other known details. For instance, if your ancestor was a prominent local businessman, include relevant keywords related to his profession.

• Expand your search: If your initial search yields no results, try broadening your search parameters. Expand the date range, consider alternative spellings, and experiment with different keywords.

• Use Boolean operators: Familiarize yourself with Boolean operators like "AND," "OR," and "NOT" to refine your searches on platforms like Newspapers.com and Ancestry.com. This allows for more precise and targeted results.

Beyond Obituaries: Expanding Your Research

Obituaries provide a crucial starting point, but they often lead to further avenues of research:

• Marriage and birth certificates: Obituaries often mention spouses and children, providing leads for accessing marriage and birth certificates.

• Census records: Census records offer valuable demographic information and can confirm family relationships.

• Local historical societies: Connecting with local historical societies in Milwaukee can provide access to additional resources and expert guidance.

Conclusion: Unlocking Family Secrets

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel obituary archives are a vital resource for anyone tracing their Wisconsin family history. By utilizing the search strategies outlined above and exploring the various access points, you can significantly enhance your genealogical research and uncover fascinating details about your ancestors' lives. Remember to be patient and persistent—the rewards of discovering your family history are well worth the effort. Start your search today and unlock the secrets of your past!