Need to research the history of your building but don’t know where to look? Most resources are not available on-line yet, but as time goes on, more are becoming available.
Sources that may or may not be available online:
Deed or title search- this information is available at the county courthouse or record depository. Begin with the current owner’s name and work your way backwards through grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer) indexes and the actual deed books
Once you know who owned the property in the past, there are other records you can search. Most of these are available in county courthouses or state or university archives. Will books and indexes, probate records, tax records, census records, marriage records, court records, subdivision and plat books(available online, see below)
Maps are a valuable resource of information. County atlases(available online), city maps, “bird’s eye view” maps often show buildings as well as property lines. Sanborn maps are invaluable for property research. Dating back to 1867, these insurance maps show the location and footprint of buildings, along with building materials, number of stories, and other useful information. Local libraries and historical societies can be a good source for historic maps.
City directories can be very useful, too. They can be used to help date structures and reveal the names - and sometimes occupations - of residents. The directories are often available at your local library. One thing to be aware of is that some cities changed street names and numbering systems and these changes should be accounted for.
Old newspapers (again, often available at your local library) can contain obituary information for previous owners/residents of the house, articles on fires or other natural disasters, or articles/advertisements for the development of subdivisions.
In addition to visiting the local public library, try your city/township or county assessor’soffice. Often property information is available online through your local government’s website. Colleges and universities, especially those with a faculty member who has an interest in local history, can be good resources. Local historians, local historic district commissions, local historical societies, and long-term property owners and neighbors can all contribute information in your search.
The State Historic Preservation Office suggests the following online resources:
How-to: Online advice for researching building histories
The Archives of Michigan’s Geneology of a House pamphlet is a great resource for finding information about a property
Minnesota Historical Society’s online tutorial. While their links are to Minnesota-specific resources, it’s a great place to discover how to research the history of a house
Michigan Libraries with Local Histories Online - The Deckerville Public Library’s links to various public libraries that have local history information online
Tracing the History of Your House - Mt. Clemens Public Library has an online guide for their local information. Even if your project isn’t in Mt. Clemens, it might give you an idea of where to look in your area.
Specific Michigan Online Resources
Michigan County Histories and Atlases
Michigan Subdivision Plat Maps
