Newspapers & Genealogy Research

Every genealogist and family researcher has their own favorite sources for information. An often overlooked window into the past is use of newspapers in genealogical research. Some newspapers date back to the 1830's and are found in state archives, libraries, and historical societies. For example, the State Historical Society of Missouri has an excellent newspaper collection -- ILL. A Catalogue of Missouri Newspapers on Microfilm is available for $10.  The Missouri Historical Society, Jefferson Memorial Building Forest Park, in St. Louis, MO 63112-1099 has obituary clippings dating back more  than 100 years--mostly from eastern Missouri newspapers and an almost complete collection of the Missouri Republican, which began in 1808 and the Missouri Gazette, which was published until 1919.
Of all the sources of research material, nothing can compare with old newspapers. If you want to get a good feel for the lives and times of the families you're investigating,  consider reading some old newspapers. Further information on using newspapers for genealogical information can be found by clicking this link: Newspapers for Genealogical Research
Included below are links to help you in research in the newspapers of Missouri.

 

Preserving Newspaper Articles & Clippings

Dissolve a Milk of Magnesia tablet in a quarter cup of club soda overnight. Pour into a pan large enough to hold the flattened clipping.Soak the clipping for one hour, then pat dry.Do not move the clipping until completely dry. Estimated life: 200 years

Steps for Preserving Documents 

The basic premise for preservation of any clipping or photo is simple.  Air and light do damage.  Keep the documents enclosed, preferably in sealed archival quality page protectors, then keep in a box (archival quality storage box).

DO NOT LAMINATE!!!   The glue will eventually start to eat away at the document. 

Newspapers (but not photos!) must be deacidified, before you enclose them in plastic. 
(Note - newspaper ink needs one full year to dry, so do not seal clippings from the past 365 days)

  • Enclose in an archival quality page protector  (if using regular page protectors, purchase those with greatest thickness of plastic.) 
  • Label on the outside of the page protector. 
  • Store collection in a box, away from the light