Is your home listed on an architectural survey? A large number of properties in the United States have been surveyed due to a desire on the part of the owner or community to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. They have begun to digitize the records at the National Register, so a quick search of their website is an excellent place to start. In addition to surveys at the federal level, surveys are also conducted through state historic preservation offices, local governments, and area preservation and landmark groups. Check with those organizations as well for the existence of surveys in your area.
The surveys may give you the architectural history of your house including the date of construction, the architect, name of the builder, the construction history and may indicate if the building has ever been moved. Included may be a listing of all the owners of the property.
For an example of what an architectural survey might look like, visit the Longmont, Colorado website. Wouldn’t it be great to find one of these on your house?
My family bought this house in 1955 when the house was only 16 years old. We were the 3rd (?) family to live here.I grew up here and just 2 years ago bought the house from my parents. Dad is 92 and Mom is 88, they don’t remember much about the house’s beginnings, and I would love to know as much as possible.
Hi Janet. I would recommend going to your local Recorder of Deeds office to research the property ownership. As there are only 3 or so owners, it shouldn’t be too difficult to work your way backwards from when your parents purchased the home in 1955.