Top Newspaper Sites That You MUST RESEARCH!

Key points and insights

In the world of genealogy, newspapers are often overlooked yet incredibly powerful tools for uncovering personal stories, tracing ancestral movements, and discovering historical context. In the webinar “Top Newspaper Sites That You Must Research,” renowned genealogist Ari Wilkins presents an expansive, insightful exploration of both free and subscription-based newspaper databases. From local obituaries to rare ethnic publications, Wilkins demonstrates how newspapers can enrich family narratives in surprising ways. This webinar is a must-watch for anyone seeking to go beyond vital records and uncover the everyday lives of their ancestors.

Key Takeaways from the Webinar:

• No One-Size-Fits-All Solution: There is no single “best” newspaper site—effectiveness depends on coverage area, time period, and searchable features. Ari emphasizes that while sites like Chronicling America offer broad free access, others like Newspapers.com or GenealogyBank may hold exclusive content or superior navigation tools. Leveraging multiple platforms is often necessary to maximize discovery.

• Free Doesn’t Mean Limited: Public resources such as Chronicling America, FamilySearch, and state-run digitization projects like The Portal to Texas History provide powerful, often underestimated collections. These include ethnic papers, rare regional publications, and user-friendly tools such as clipping features, AI-captioned photo searches, and metadata-based search capabilities—all at no cost.

• Subscription Sites Offer Powerful Enhancements: Paid platforms like Newspapers.com, Fold3, and MyHeritage’s OldNews offer deeper collections and advanced tools like search alerts, clipping editors, and family tree integrations. Wilkins also highlights the value of accessing institutional products via library cards—urging genealogists to “collect library cards” for broader database access and cost savings.

To fully benefit from this wealth of genealogical knowledge, viewers are encouraged to watch the complete webinar. Wilkins’s real-world demonstrations, expert navigation tips, and extensive comparisons help demystify newspaper research and open new pathways for uncovering family history.

Finally, genealogists are invited to explore the detailed syllabus accompanying the webinar, which includes direct links to the websites discussed, advanced search techniques, and practical tips for navigating each platform. Whether you’re just beginning your research or looking to break through brick walls, these resources will equip you with essential tools to uncover the untold stories hidden in historic newspapers.