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

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

Tax records , deeds, maps , and photographs are all sources readily available to house historians . Sometimes, however, historians are fortunate to find sources that are both unusual and incredibly valuable. One such source is part of the collection at the Hendricks County Historical Museum: a watercolor painting titled A Quiet Village . Allegedly painted by Reverend William E. Hinshaw around 1895, the painting depicts the small village of Belleville, Indiana. Watercolor pain

Much of my work as a public historian focuses on historic houses and their architectural significance. The Architectural Spotlight series briefly highlights some of the most recognizable and important architectural styles in American history, helping readers better understand the primary characteristics of each. If you’re interested in my professional historic research and National Register nomination services, you can learn more here . When driving around the rural Midwest,