my house is very old-how can i find out its history?

Question

my house was built about 500 years ago and want to find out about it online if possible

Answer 1

Check with your county courthouse & deed of records clerk.

Answer 2

It sounds like you are on the east coast in which case, all of the suggestions above are helpful.

I would also add that you go to the library and look up some of the oldest newspapers available--there may be articles about the family who lived in that house or nearby to give you an idea of the people who lived there, events that occurred in that area.

If there is an oral history program at a local college or university, check there. Is there an historic preservation society in your city or town? Check there.

Check with older neighbors or older citizens fo your town who may have knowledge of the area. Track down former tenants of the house for any info. they may have had.

Are there nearby old churches? Former tenant names may be forthcoming as members on the rolls, providing a lead on who they were, how they came to live in the area, inhabit the house, or even build it or rebuild it after a fire or flood, etc. Same with old cemeteries.

Good luck.

Answer 3

I was going to say city offices, but county clerk, sounds a little bit better. Sometimes the library has old documents, like town layouts, and city blocks... check with them but the best bet would probably be the county clerk. I'm pretty sure you won't be able to find information on a single house online, not unless its a famous house or something. Maybe history of the city you live in though. Hope that helps.

Answer 4

If you are in England try the local history office at the council or town hall.

Answer 5

google your address and then google your neighborhood and see what you can find. Asking the neighbors may save you some time and trouble. Good luck