Private investigators sometimes conduct historical research, often for cases involving genealogy research. Such research might include meticulous reviews of such documents as census records, archives of newspapers, obituaries, birth and death certificates, many of which can be found online. The following websites offer comprehensive research into family histories.
Ancestry.com offers links to census records, immigration records, photos, maps, old school yearbooks and more. Ancestry.com claims it has the largest repository of military records, including draft registrations, pension records and service records. It offers a free 14-day trial membership.
Obitsarchives.com provides offers links to newspaper and obituary archives, death notices, funeral arrangements and more. Some libraries also contain hard copies of obituaries.
Familysearch.org is a service provided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and offers a network of nearly 5 thousand facilities all over the world that offer public access to genealogical records.
Legacy.com collaborates with hundreds of newspapers in North America, Europe and Australia and features obituaries and guest books for more than two-thirds of the people who die in the U.S.
Usgenweb.org is a volunteer-driven site that lists free genealogical websites throughout counties and states in the U.S.
Some genealogists also work as private investigators. Writers, if your story involves extensive historical research, consider contacting The Association of Professional Genealogists at Apgen.org. Look up a genealogist in your region who specializes in the era you’re writing about and request an interview to help you flesh out your story.
Have a great week, Writing PIs
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