The owner of an old house who is curious about its history can, with a few inquiries, gather much interesting information and have fun in the process. The first step is to check the status of the architectural survey in your town. Some research may already be completed. Architectural surveys are available for public inspection and are maintained by either your public library or historical commission. Architectural surveys are organized into Form B's (buildings) and Form A's (areas). Form B's generally include the first owner, the date of construction, style, and building materials. For some of the most important houses Form B's include detailed architectural descriptions and historic narratives.

A second excellent source of information is the National Register of Historic Places.  NRHP records may relate your house to the wider community and historic contexts, providing a valuable supplement to the Form B.  NRHP documentation is open to the public and can be viewed at the Massachusetts Historical Commission in Boston.
Telephone (617) 727-8470.

If your house has not been surveyed and you wish to conduct your own research, basic sources include historic commercial maps, historic fire-insurance maps, directories, voter lists, all of which are usually available through the local library or historical society, and deeds. Historic commercial and fire insurance maps, generally published every ten years from the 1870s until the 1940s, display detailed footprint drawings of houses, streets, and other features and are color coded to indicated different land uses and construction materials.  They also often include key information such as the address and name of owner.  Directories and voter lists, published annually or semiannually, include names, addresses, and occupations.  Deeds, which are located at your county courthouse, contain a detailed history of ownership, but are more difficult to use and are not always helpful in compiling a basic house history.

For more detailed research on previous owners, including probate inventories and records of births and deaths we recommend the Massachusetts State Archives at Columbia Point in Boston. With a vast reservoir of information on microfilm, the Archives is a good bet for devoted old-house sleuths. Another excellent resource, which has a large collection of state-wide directories and historic maps, as well as other useful records and histories, is the State House Library located in the Massachusetts State House.

Through the use of these basic tools, a construction date for your house can be established, physical changes can be noted, and the history of ownership established. If your interest level is high but your time is short, our own researchers will be happy to provide you with a quote for a professionally-prepared house history and/or a National Register of Historic Places nomination for your home. Call (781) 729 5174 for more information on these services.

American Landmarks, LLC
One Mount Vernon Street, P.O. Box 1050, Winchester, MA 01890 (781) 729-5174