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Madeline Young Capstone- Do Not Omit the Obit - FINAL DRAFT 2025.docxThis capstone project examines the evolution of obituary practices in Indianapolis by comparing obituaries published in the years
1927 (due to racial tensions)
1968 (the Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam, and election year)
2020 (COVID-19 pandemic and technology reliance)
Through archival research and content analysis of 72 obituaries, the study explores how
cultural values
social roles
and memorialization practices
have shifted over time.
By coding each obituary for variables such as
tone
language
and family structures
the project uncovers clear patterns in how people are publicly remembered.
Drawing on social memory theory, it argues that obituaries are not just personal tributes—they are reflective of collective memory and societal norms, showing who is remembered, how, and why.
This research contributes to a deeper understanding of public mourning and commemoration.
The findings reveal a significant cultural shift in expressions of grief and remembrance.
Ultimately, the project highlights how obituaries serve as valuable cultural artifacts that preserve history, identity, and the evolving ways we understand death and memory.
Professional Development
Professional Development
This research project has been a turning point in preparing me for a career in library and archival work. Through hands-on research with historical obituary data, I’ve developed a practical skill set grounded in real-world applications of archival methods, digital tools, and cultural interpretation.
Archival Research & Information Management
Archival Research & Information Management
Working with obituary records from multiple decades taught me how to handle and interpret primary source materials with care and accuracy. I became confident navigating and extracting information from:
Historical newspaper databases
Funeral home records
Digital memorial platforms
This experience deepened my understanding of information organization and retrieval, two essential aspects of both archival and library environments.
Technical & Analytical Skills
Technical & Analytical Skills
Analyzing large sets of data required me to use Excel for:
Coding content
Identifying cultural trends
Organizing findings in a structured, searchable format
These tasks strengthened my technical fluency and attention to detail—skills that are critical for metadata management, digital curation, and archive maintenance
Cultural Interpretation & Public Engagement
Interpreting obituaries wasn’t just about data; it was about understanding the cultural values they reflected. I learned to frame historical materials in ways that are:
Culturally sensitive
Historically accurate
Accessible to a broad audience
These skills translate directly into public-facing archival work, including exhibit development, educational programming, and reference services.
Career Growth & Future Goals
Career Growth & Future Goals
Through this project, I discovered a strong alignment between my academic interests and the mission of libraries and archives: preserving the past, making knowledge accessible, and supporting lifelong learning.
It confirmed my passion for:
Protecting and organizing historical records
Making information widely available to the public
Supporting educational and cultural institutions that value memory, access, and inclusion
This project didn’t just teach me new skills—it helped me envision the kind of professional I want to become, and built a solid foundation for a meaningful career in archives, special collections, or library services.
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