How to Search the San Bernardino Sun Obituaries Archive
Why the Obituary Archive Matters
For anyone tracing family roots, writing a memorial piece, or simply curious about local history, the San Bernardino Sun obituary archive is a surprisingly rich resource. Beyond the basic death notice, these entries often include birth dates, surviving relatives, military service, and even anecdotes that paint a fuller picture of a life lived in the Inland Empire.
Where the Archives Live Online
The most convenient entry point is the newspaper’s own website, which hosts a searchable “Obituaries” section for recent years. For older notices—typically dating back to the 1970s—the site redirects to a partnership with Legacy.com, where you can browse by name, date, or keyword. Some users also find the collection on broader newspaper‑aggregator platforms such as Newspapers.com or GenealogyBank. Those services usually require a subscription, but they often provide high‑resolution scans of the original printed pages.
Getting Started: Free Options
If you’re not ready to commit to a paid service, begin with the public library’s digital portal. The San Bernardino Public Library offers remote access to a limited number of newspaper issues through its online catalog. You’ll need a library card, but once logged in you can view PDFs of the obituary pages at no cost. Another free avenue is the Internet Archive, where volunteers occasionally upload scanned microfilm reels from the Sun’s back issues.
Paid Services and What They Offer
When the free routes hit a dead end, a subscription to a dedicated newspaper archive can be worth the expense. Newspapers.com boasts a searchable database that includes every San Bernardino Sun issue from the 1920s onward, complete with OCR text that lets you search for phrases like “served in World War II.” GenealogyBank focuses on genealogy‑friendly features, offering family‑tree linking and bulk download options. Prices vary, but most platforms provide a 30‑day trial that can be useful for a one‑off deep dive.
Tips for Effective Searching
- Start with what you know. Enter the exact full name, then broaden to just the last name if no hits appear.
- Use date ranges. If you know the approximate year of death, limit the search to that window; it cuts down on irrelevant results dramatically.
- Try alternative spellings. Obituaries from earlier decades may contain typographical errors or older variants of a surname.
- Leverage OCR quirks. Search for “died” or “passed away” in quotes to catch the phrase exactly as it appears in the scanned text.
- Check the “Related Articles” link. Some platforms automatically pull in birth announcements or marriage notices that can confirm family connections.
What to Do When You Hit a Paywall
Encountering a paywall isn’t the end of the road. First, note the citation details—date, page number, and headline—then try the same query on a different site. Often the same obituary appears on both Legacy.com and the newspaper’s own archive, with one of them offering a preview. If you still need the full article, consider a short‑term subscription or a pay‑per‑view purchase; many sites charge only a few dollars for a single PDF download.
Physical Copies and Local Resources
The San Bernardino County Historical Society maintains a modest collection of microfilm reels that include the Sun’s obituary sections. Visiting the society’s reading room lets you browse the original prints, and staff are usually happy to help locate a specific issue. Likewise, the San Bernardino Public Library’s reference desk can request microfilm copies through inter‑library loan if the local collection is incomplete.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
One frequent mistake is assuming the online archive is exhaustive. In reality, gaps exist—especially for the 1980s and early 1990s—when the newspaper’s digitization efforts were less systematic. Another trap is overlooking the “Death Notices” category, which sometimes houses brief entries that didn’t make the full obituary page but still contain valuable details. Finally, be aware that some older notices list only initials or nicknames; cross‑checking with city‑directory listings can fill those blanks.
FAQ
- How far back do the San Bernardino Sun obituaries go? The newspaper’s digital archive typically starts in the early 1970s, while microfilm at the local library can extend back to the 1920s.
- Can I obtain a copy of an obituary for free? Yes—if the notice is within the most recent year, the Sun’s website often provides a free PDF. Older entries may be accessed through the public library’s online portal at no charge.
- Are the archives searchable by keyword? Most online platforms, including Legacy.com and Newspapers.com, support keyword searches, date filters, and even phrase matching within the OCR‑generated text.
- What if the obituary I need isn’t digitized? In that case, request a microfilm copy from the San Bernardino County Historical Society or the public library; they can often scan the page for a small fee.
