Aerial photographs are often overlooked in historic home research in favor of more commonly consulted sources such as deeds, maps, and newspapers. However, they are extremely valuable and can reveal a wide range of information about a historic property and its surrounding landscape. Aerials are especially useful for rural properties, where visual documentation is often far more limited than it is for properties located within towns or city limits. Aerials exist in two primary

I’m passionate about researching and preserving old homes that belonged to regular people. These are the houses we pass by on our daily drives, the places where ordinary lives unfolded minute by minute, year by year. Often, the most relatable and interesting histories come from these familiar dwellings. The home of a recent client—featured in the blog below—is a perfect example. -Mark Belloni Research Consulting Tucked near the bottom of page 11 in the April 4, 1929, issue o

Whether you're researching a house, a community, a person, or an entire family, historic newspapers are an invaluable resource. Every...

Sanborn maps are incredibly valuable sources available to anyone researching historic homes. First printed in the 1860s and continuing well into the 20th century, the primary purpose of these maps was to help fire insurance companies assess risk in urban areas. No longer used for their original purpose, Sanborn maps today serve as unique historical records, offering details pertaining to property boundaries, building footprints, window and door layouts, construction materials