Online newspapers are a treasure trove for genealogy, filled with stories, names, and everyday moments from the past. But no single website holds everything. Sometimes the best discoveries come from local libraries, state archives, or even a phone call for help. If you hit a dead end, take a step back, widen your search, and enjoy the hunt—your family’s story is worth it.

Here are some incredible things you can uncover in an obituary—and how they can help you paint a vivid, heartfelt picture of your family.

Newspapers are packed with everything from life-changing clues to juicy tidbits that make your ancestors feel, well, human.