Newspapers Online: A Treasure Trove—Just Don’t Stop There

One of the wonderful things about using newspapers in genealogy is the sheer wealth of information they hold. As you move through the decades, you’re not just finding names and dates—you’re stepping into a world written in the language of its time. You’ll see the mannerisms, the style of speech, and yes… plenty of gossip columns and shared stories.

People visiting family from out of town. Community events. Legal notices. Social columns. Obituaries filled with clues. Newspapers are often the place we turn when we’re trying to track someone who seems to have disappeared elsewhere.

There are some excellent online resources that help point us in the right direction. One of the most popular is Newspapers.com, and it truly is a fantastic tool. That said, it’s important to remember one very key thing:

Newspapers.com is not a catch-all for every newspaper ever published.

One Research Example That Taught Me a Lot

I ran into this exact situation while researching a member of the Damrell family. I was able to find articles using Newspapers.com, including newspapers like Town Talk and the New Orleans Press. That gave me a solid starting point.

But when I needed more local information, I had to look elsewhere.

That’s when I turned to my local library, the Vernon Parish Library, and their digital collections—specifically their Yearbooks and Newspapers Online, which are hosted through Advantage Archives.

Here’s something important to know: newspapers that are digitized and hosted by Advantage Archives are not automatically shared with Newspapers.com. I don’t know all the legal details behind that, but I do know this—when I searched for the same newspapers on Newspapers.com, they simply weren’t there. As of the day I’m writing this, those papers are only available through the library’s digital archive.

That’s a powerful reminder that not all information lives in one place.

This Is Where Genealogy Gets Fun (and Sometimes Frustrating)

This is the part of genealogy where the real research—the nitty-gritty—comes into play. For some people, it can feel frustrating. For others (myself included), it turns into a full-blown treasure hunt.

In this case, by using the Vernon Parish Library’s Newspapers Online, I found the individual I was searching for—and a smorgasbord of articles connected to them.

One tip I always share: don’t search just one spelling of a name.

Over the years, names were often written the way they were pronounced. One year you might find:

• one “L” instead of two

• an extra “R”

• a mystery “N” thrown in for good measure

• 
  

Search every variation you can think of. Then search each family member’s name individually. You’ll be amazed what turns up.

Some articles may be short and simple—“this person visited that person.” Others may be obituaries packed with family connections. Occasionally, you’ll find legal notices or longer stories. Every little detail adds brushstrokes to the picture we’re building of a person and their family line.

Expanding Beyond One Library or One State

Another helpful tool is the Advantage Archives Directory, which allows you to see which libraries and institutions use their platform. You can browse by state, then narrow down by county, parish, or city. From there, it’s just a matter of clicking in and starting the hunt.

I didn’t stop with Louisiana, either. Because I research families along the Louisiana–Texas border, I also turned to Texas resources. One of my favorites is the Portal to Texas History, which has been invaluable for my work in East Texas and West Central Louisiana.

Now, a quick note on access: some libraries require you to have a library card to view their digital collections. Rules vary by library, so it’s always best to check. In my case, as a tax-paying resident of Vernon Parish, I already had a library card—one I’ve had since childhood.

But here’s the good news: even if you don’t have access, many libraries are more than happy to help. You can often call or email, explain what you’re looking for, and a staff member will check the resources for you and get back to you—usually within a few days.

When Online Isn’t Enough

If you ever feel stuck, take a step back and widen your view.

• Can’t find it in a city? Look at the county or parish.

• Still nothing? Check regional libraries.

• Then state archives.

• Look for genealogy departments or newspaper collections.

And sometimes—yes—you’ll need to pick up the phone.

When you do, you’re often met with someone who genuinely cares and wants to help. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or request assistance. That next step could be the one that unlocks an entire branch of your family history.

I hope this has been informative and encouraging.

Happy hunting,

— Brenda

Helpful Newspaper Research Resources

• Newspapers.com

• Vernon Parish Library – Newspapers & Yearbooks Online

• Advantage Archives Directory

• Portal to Texas History