Local newspapers often have a bygones/nostalgia page or insert and so would welcome contributions for that; similarly family history society journals and newsletters.

Effectively this could be a free way of advertising. However it is important to target the appropriate papers/family history societies to geographical areas where you are aware that your surname occurs commonly. Also to write a fairly brief and interesting item.

Probably more useful where the surname is nationally a relatively uncommon one - though it may be common in some particular areas of the country. If you are dealing with a more common surname, the article you write should specify clearly what your objectives are.