3 Resources for Researching your Home's Past

“Where do I start when it comes to property research?”

It's difficult to start the research process on your home or business. Here are local resources you can utilize in your search.

Two weeks ago, I showed the site Diedinhouse.com as a starting point for researching the history of your home. While Diedinhouse.com is a great starting point when you have nothing, it has limitations. For example, if your home is a new build but you want to know the history of the land you live on, it is unlikely that the site will pull up data from the 1800s. My suggestion for new researchers is reach out to your local in-person resources.

I’m all about not reinventing the wheel, and if your home or land has history, odds are someone in your county may have already researched your property. Your first stop should be your local historical or genealogical library. Most counties in the United States have a library that specializes in local history and/or genealogy. Contact them before arriving to give them an idea of your request. They may ask for any information you already have on your property. From there, they will pull resources to be ready for your scheduled visit. If they cannot find anything or do not have the staff to devote to research, most libraries will welcome you to look through their resources. They will have newspapers, microfilm, and other databases you will be able to search through. If your local county or municipality does not have library specializing in local history/genealogy, your state has a state archive, and may be able to assist. If your state archive is too far away, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has Family History Centers with resources. 

County circuit courts often have land deeds and property records available for a fee.

Another avenue to check out would be your county’s Clerk of the Circuit Court or land records management office. This resource will not be free, and often times is by appointment only. In some cases, you have to mail in your request, pay a fee, and wait several days to weeks for a photocopy of the information you requested. If you are pressed for time or money, this option may be difficult. Some counties and municipalities have their records online, but this is often rare. 

Local museums and historical societies can be a great resource for local property research

Finally, a good in-person resource is your local museums and historical societies. Museums and historical societies may have information on the families who lived on your land prior to your residence. During one investigation, I contacted the local museum who happened to have a manuscript written by a descendant of the family I was researching. In it they compiled memories and stories passed down in the family, and I was able to use those stories in the ensuing paranormal investigation with great results. 

These resources should give you more information about your home’s history. In the very least, you will find leads on the people who lived before you.