Find Kentucky Death Records on FamilySearch.org

Finding Kentucky Death Records on FamilySearch.org

This guide will walk you through finding Kentucky death records on FamilySearch.org to help you discover your ancestors' vital information.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Sign In to FamilySearch.org: Navigate to FamilySearch.org and sign in. Create a free account if you don't have one.

2. Navigate to the Records Search Page: Once logged in, click the "Search" menu at the top, then select "Records" from the dropdown to access the historical records search page.

3. Filter by Place (Kentucky): On the records search page, locate the "Find a Collection" section. In the "Place" field, type "Kentucky" and select it from the suggestions. This will filter the displayed collections to those relevant to Kentucky.

4. Identify Relevant Death Record Collections: Scroll through the list of Kentucky collections. Look for titles that specifically mention "Death Records," "Deaths," "Burials," "Cemeteries," or "Vital Records." Look for collections like:

   • Kentucky, Death Records, 1911-1965
   • Kentucky, County Marriages, 1790-1979 (Vital record collections can sometimes contain or refer to death information.)
   • You may also find county-specific collections like "Kentucky, [County Name] Records."

   Tip: If direct titles are not found, use the "Collection Title" filter and type "death" or "burial" to refine the list.

5. Select a Collection and Search: Click on the most promising Kentucky death record collection title. This will open a new page specific to that collection, displaying search fields such as "First Name," "Last Name," "Event Year Range," and "Place."

   • Enter the known information for your ancestor (e.g., their name, estimated birth or death year).
   • Click "Search."

6. Review Search Results: FamilySearch will present a list of records matching your criteria. Carefully examine each result for your ancestor's name, dates, and associated family members. Click on a record to view its details, including the indexed information and, often, a digitized image of the original document.

7. Browse Images if No Direct Match: If your search yields no results, or if the collection is not fully indexed, look for a "Browse through [Number] images" link (typically on the collection page or in the sidebar). Clicking this allows you to manually browse through the digitized records, much like flipping through a microfilm reel. This method requires more time but is crucial for records not yet fully indexed.

   • When browsing, select a "Volume," "Book," or "Year Range" to narrow images. Look for an index within the images or systematically view pages.

8. Save and Cite Your Findings: Once you locate a death record, save it to your FamilySearch Family Tree (if applicable) and record all pertinent information. Always note the source details so you can easily find it again and accurately cite it in your genealogical research.