Newspapers are a resource for finding all kinds of information. Hard to find vital records such as marriages, births, deaths, weddings, funerals, and so much more were often printed in the local paper, but you may come across other stories you never heard, too. You could find graduation notices, biographies, military honors, land grants, photographs or sketches, or you may find news about accidents, crimes, misfortunes, bankruptcies, and the list goes on. These paper trails provide valuable clues for the genealogist. Court matters such as the distribution of a will, or the transfer of property, can also prove to be very informative. The possibilities are endless.
Visit the Newspapers page to find the sites you can use for searching old historic newspapers online or offline. Most are free. Take a look!