Discovering the History of Your House and Your Neighborhood

by Betsy J. Green

Every home has a story to tell! Whether you own an elaborate Victorian, cozy bungalow or cottage, ranch style, or are part of a newer subdivision, your house and property have a unique history that is just waiting to be uncovered.

Part treasure hunt and part jigsaw puzzle, researching the history of your house is a fascinating and rewarding experience. In Discovering the History of Your House and Your Neighborhood , author Betsy J. Green will show you how easy it is to create a cherished legacy for future generations to enjoy. You'll learn

Beginning your search
Finding and contacting former owners of your house
Discovering the architect who designed your house
Finding the original plans for your house
Re-creating long-lost woodwork, porches, even historic landscaping
Locating building permits for your house
Finding the original price of your house
Researching subdivisions and neighborhoods
Finding deeds for your house and land
Getting information from a deed
Finding old photos of your house and neighborhood
Using old maps to learn about your neighborhood
Discovering your house on a postcard
Using vintage architectural magazines
Writing your house history
Includes a state-by-state guide to resources

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Architecture

288 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2002

Reviews

[Letitia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good resource and easy to read.

[Kori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite dated, but still contains many excellent tips and suggestions for houses of many ages, rural or urban. A good starting place!

[Christopher Obert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Betsy’s book is a well written, helpful resource book for tracking down the history of your house. It is full of useful suggestions and examples for finding past information on the land, the building(s), as well as the people that owned or may have lived in or on the property. I plan on following the advice in the book to research the history of my childhood home in Massachusetts. A great addition to any genealogy library.

[Shawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning: reference book. Probably one of the best I have read on researching old homes.