Conducting research on property can be as rewarding as conducting research on ancestors. The goal of this course is to teach the student to understand the various documents and research necessary to develop and present a house and/or farm history. Throughout this course, the student will build their understanding of house and farm related documents from established text and assignments that will require the student to practice their skills.
Course Content
Module 1
Building the Foundation: House Research
Note about Web Addresses
Websites
Why Conduct House History Research?
Architectural Glossary
Architectural Styles of Houses
Craftsman, 1905-1930
Colonial Revival, 1870-onward
Dutch Colonial, 1625-1840
French Colonial, 1700-1850
New England Colonial, 1600-1700
Southern Colonial, 1600-1700
Spanish Colonial, 1600-1850
Spanish Colonial Revival, 1915-1940
Federal, 1780-1840
Gothic Revival, 1830-1880
Italianate, 1840-1885
Octagon, 1850-1870
Queen Anne Style, 1880-1900
Second Empire, 1860-1890
Suggested Reading and Resources
Australia
Canada
New Zealand
United Kingdom
United States
Plan Books & Catalogs
Module 2
Mail Order Homes & House Kit Companies
Websites
Mail Order Homes
Mail Order Research
Sears, Roebuck and Company
Aladdin Company
Pacific Homes
Gordon-Van Tine Co.
Montgomery Ward
Lewis Manufacturing Company - Liberty Homes
International Mill & Timber Co. - Sterling Homes
Ray H. Bennett Lumber Company
Chicago House Wrecking Co. - Harris Brothers
E. F. Hodgson Company
Strandlunds Lustron Company - Lustron Homes
Additional House Kit Companies
Suggested Reading and Resources
Websites
Module 3
Mapping It Out
Websites
The Physical Address
Maps
Birds-Eye View Map
Aerial Photography
Plat Map/Plat Books
Topographic Map
Fire Insurance Maps
Weather and Climate Map
Atlases
Street Maps
Interim Report
Google Earth
Google Maps
Historypin
David Rumsey Historical Map Collection
Ancestral Atlas
HistoryGeo.com
WhatWasThere
Suggested Reading and Resources
Books
Websites
Module 4
The Paper Trail: Land Records
Websites
Required Reading
Introduction
Legal Property Description
Previous Research
Land Glossary
Visit to the Land Office
Abstraction and Transcription
Abstract of Title
Title Insurance
Chain of Title
Deeds
Administrators Deed
Sheriffs Deed
Warranty Deed
Quitclaim Deed
Grantor and Grantee
Transfer Books
Mortgages
Court Records
Mechanics Lien
Tax Assessment
Building Permit
Blueprint
Suggested Reading and Resources
Books
Websites
Module 5
The People Trail: Previous Owners & Occupants
Websites
Required Reading
Previous Owners and Occupants
Census
Directories
Newspapers
Wills and Estate
County Histories
Surname and Vertical Files
Vital Records
Neighborhood history
Photographs and Drawings
Biographical and Historical
Other resources
Suggested Reading and Resources
Australasia
Canada
England
United States
Module 6
Digging Up Dirt: Farm Research
Websites
Land Records
State-land states
Federal-land states
Homestead Act of 1862
Census
Agricultural Schedules
Centennial Farms
Barns and Outbuildings
Suggested Reading and Resources
Books
Websites
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