Greetings, Buffalo! This is The Preservation Pursuit, your monthly digest dedicated to exploring the rich tapestry of our city’s architectural heritage. In this edition, we’re excited to present “Researching the History of Your Home: A Friendly Guide.” Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of historical research, offering practical advice and insights for those eager to uncover the stories etched into the very bricks and mortar of their homes. Whether you’re a seasoned historian or a curious homeowner, this guide will equip you with the tools to trace the history of your home, revealing the hidden narratives that lie beyond the facade. So, dust off those shoes and dive down the rabbit hole with us!
Researching the History of Your Home: A Friendly Guide
Every home has a story to tell, and uncovering that history can be both fascinating and rewarding. Whether you’re curious about the architectural details, the changes your home has seen over the years, or maybe you’re just trying to see if your home qualifies for historic tax credits, this guide will help you navigate the maze of historical research. As a Preservationist and Architectural Historian, I’m excited to share some tips on how to explore the past of your beloved home.
Understanding when your house was built is the first step. Observing the architecture of your home can reveal its era. For instance, a mansard roof might indicate a late 19th-century Second Empire style, while a hip roof could point to a Queen Anne house from a decade later. Sometimes, renovations and additions hide original features. Consider touring your neighborhood to find similar homes with intact designs. Who knows what secrets lie behind those walls?
Talk to the Experts
Seeking the expertise of local professionals can unlock the full potential of your home. Architects and historians, with their keen eye for design and detail, can uncover the unique architectural features and historical elements that make your home special. To deepen your understanding, consider participating in community workshops, lectures, and events focused on historic preservation. Additionally, restoration contractors offer invaluable knowledge of traditional construction methods and materials, ensuring any renovations honor the integrity of your home’s original design. If available, a consultation with a Historic Preservation Specialist from your municipality can provide tailored guidance. Their expertise can steer you towards the best path for preserving the charm and character of your historic residence.
Recover the Records
Ready to delve into the fascinating world of historical research? Start by paying a visit to your local assessor’s office. There, you can access property tax records—a goldmine of information. While the City of Buffalo offers a fairly comprehensive Property Viewer on their website, keep in mind that their records might not be entirely complete. These documents often reveal previous owners and construction dates, shedding light on your home’s evolution. Don’t stop there—dig into property titles. A thorough title search can unveil ownership changes and legal intricacies. And don’t forget about census records! They’re like time capsules, providing family details and glimpses into who called your home theirs during different decades.
Explore Buffalo’s Rich History
Begin your historical journey at the Buffalo History Museum, where a treasure trove of valuable resources awaits. Dive into old maps, photographs, and documents that reveal the city’s past. For deeper insights, visit the Grosvenor Room at The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library’s Central Library (located at 1 Lafayette Square). Here, you’ll find atlases, directories, newspapers, census records, and local history files—essential tools for researching your home’s background. Librarians are on hand to assist you, so don’t hesitate to ask for guidance, whether it’s navigating the microfiche machine or uncovering hidden gems. Additionally, connect with local preservation organizations like PBN. They’ll steer you toward relevant resources, share knowledge about architectural styles, and provide context for your home’s era.
In the digital age, a wealth of information is just a click away. The Library of Congress and NYSHistoricNewspapers.org offer free access to a vast array of documents that can help you delve deeper into your home’s history. For a more focused search, Newspapers.com provides a platform where you can create an account and explore historical records simply by entering your address. These online tools are gateways to the past, making it easier for you to embark on a journey of discovery from the comfort of your own home.
Unlocking Your Home’s Hidden Past
Ready to uncover the secrets of your home’s history? Start by visiting your local municipality’s planning and development website. Many cities now offer GIS mapping systems, which serve as immersive virtual maps. These systems reveal zoning districts, designations, and historic overlays. For Buffalo residents, the City’s user-friendly GIS map is a fantastic resource.
But wait, there’s more! Meet your digital companion: CRIS (Cultural Resource Information System). Head over to the New York State Historic Preservation Office’s website, where CRIS awaits. As a guest, you can search for your address under the “Spatial” tab. If the search function gives you a run for your money, no worries—simply locate your neighborhood and zoom in on your home. CRIS can shed light on historic districts, valuable resources, and more. Who knows? You might even stumble upon your property’s elusive building inventory form.
Double Down on Districts
Determining if your home is within a National Register Historic District can be both enlightening and financially advantageous. Homes within these districts may be eligible for historic tax credits, providing a tangible benefit to preserving our architectural past. If your home is indeed within such a district, it’s important to ascertain whether it’s considered a ‘contributing resource’—a property that adds to the district’s historical narrative.
The National Park Service (NPS) curates the National Register Database, a comprehensive catalog of properties deemed significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture. This initiative, established under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, is a concerted effort to safeguard our national heritage.To explore this wealth of information, begin your journey on the NPS website or delve into the National Archives (NARA), which houses records up until 2012. For more recent data, the NPS Gallery is your go-to resource. You can search for your property using various identifiers such as name, reference number, or state, allowing you to uncover the rich details of your home’s historical significance.
Three types of historic districts qualify for historic tax credits: National Register, State Register, and Certified Local Districts.
Mapping Out Your Home’s History
Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, commonly known as “Sanborns,” are a treasure trove for anyone interested in the historical layout of American cities and towns. Crafted by the Sanborn Map Company primarily for assessing fire insurance liability, these maps offer a window into the past, detailing the structure and use of buildings, streets, and transportation systems from the 19th and 20th centuries.
What sets Sanborns apart from typical street maps is their focus on individual buildings and their construction specifics. For those curious about the history of their homes, Sanborn maps are accessible through the Library of Congress website or at the downtown Central Library. By searching for your city or town, you can pinpoint when and how your house was constructed.
Each map is a complex code of symbols and colors, with each hue signifying a different material—brick is red, wood is yellow, concrete is blue—and symbols denoting the building’s purpose, whether residential or commercial. The legend is your key to decoding these details.
Begin with the Index Sheets to get an overview of the city, then dive into the specific section that corresponds to your area of interest. Here, you’ll find intricate details like the shape of your home, the style of the roof, and any structural additions over time. Comparing the Sanborn map to modern-day Google Maps can reveal fascinating changes in your neighborhood’s landscape.
In essence, Sanborn maps are not just historical records; they’re storytelling tools that bring the heritage of your home and community to life. Whether you’re a homeowner, historian, or simply a curious soul, these maps are an invaluable resource for uncovering the hidden stories embedded in the very walls of your dwelling.
Stitch Your Story Together
As we draw the curtains on this journey through the history of your home, remember that each detail tells a part of your story. From the architectural style to the smallest design elements, your home is a mosaic of the past. Whether you’re seeking historic tax credits or simply yearning to connect with the legacy of your living space, the pursuit of its history is a rewarding adventure.
Embrace the quest with curiosity and enthusiasm. Visit local archives, engage with community experts, and explore historical databases. As you piece together the narrative of your home, you’ll not only gain insights into its construction and style but also its place in the broader tapestry of your community’s heritage.
So, take a moment to stand in your doorway and look around. Imagine the lives that unfolded within these walls, the laughter and stories that echo through time. Your home is more than just a structure; it’s a living, breathing chronicle of history, waiting for you to uncover its secrets and add your own chapter to its enduring legacy. Best of luck!