The ideal birth record is a government birth certificate or a church baptism or christening record. When those cannot be found, historical newspapers are alternative sources of information on birth dates, birth place, and parents’ names.

Gather as much information as possible: census records, family Bibles, school records, interviews with elderly relatives, etc., before beginning. Then either access historical newspapers online, or contact local historical societies to search old newspapers. Here’s what to look for:

Birth Announcements in Old Newspapers

Birth announcements are common today, but were not the norm for people living in past centuries. Large city newspapers might only list births in prominent families, but genealogists may be successful with small town papers.

• 9 Channel Jersey New News

• Port Alberni Newspapers

• Wayne Pa Newspaper

• Auburnnews

• British Library Newspapers

  Now Available in NewsVault! The most comprehensive range of national, regional and local newspapers in 19th century Britain ever made available in a digital ...