Do You Have Resources to Help Me Preserve My Historic Home?

National Trust Resources, Programs, and Publications

The National Trust offers booklets on issues faced by owners of historic homes.  The New Old House Starter Kit is full of helpful hints about restoring and rehabilitating old houses.  It includes information about researching a house, guidelines on hiring professionals, a bibliography, and guides to architectural and landscape styles. Other booklets include Appraising Historic Properties, Buyer’s Guide to Older and Historic Houses, and Design Review in Historic Districts. For more information about these publications, call Preservation Books at 202-588-6296 or please visit www.preservationbooks.org

The National Trust provides information on many aspects of preservation including historic home ownership.  The information sheet about how to preserve your historic home, as well as other free information sheets about plaques for historic homes, moving historic buildings, and mail order homes, are examples of some of the information sheets the National Trust has available.  To contact the National Trust, call 202-588-6000, send an e-mail to info@nthp.org, or please visit www.preservationnation.org/resources/faq/

National Trust Insurance Services(NTIS), administered by the firm of Maury, Donnelly & Parr, specializes in insuring historic properties, both commercially and personally owned.  NTIS can help owners of historic buildings and homes evaluate their insurance needs and obtain the coverage necessary.  For more information, please call 1-866-269-0944, e-mail info@nationaltrust-insurance.org or please visit www.nationaltrust-insurance.org/

Plan to attend our National Preservation Conference, which is held each fall.  For more information, call 202-588-6100 or please visit www.preservationnation.org/resources/training/npc/

The National Trust Librarycontains information on historic preservation, restoration, mail order houses, and many other related subjects.  To contact the National Trust Library, write to the National Trust for Historic Preservation Library Collection, Hornbake Library, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742-7011 or call 301-405-6320.  You can also search the library on-line at www.lib.umd.edu/NTL/ntl.html

Join the National Trust– founded as a nonprofit membership organization in 1949, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy, and resources to help people save the places that matter to them. Enjoy Membership Benefits – from free and discounted admissions to 200+ historic places nationwide to a subscription to our award-winning magazine, Preservation, to special access online for case studies and reference materials, we offer a wide range of benefits for preservationists, whether you are a first-time homebuyer, a staff member of a preservation organization, or just love historic buildings. Please visit www.preservationnation.org/membership

National Trust Forum is a National Trust membership for preservation professionals and volunteer leaders.  As a Forum member, you receive the Forum Journal, Forum News, member discounts on Preservation Books, access to the password-protected website Forum Online, as well as full membership privileges to the National Trust.  Forum members have the ability to communicate on-line with other preservation professionals, are kept up to date on the latest preservation issues, and have access to a variety of preservation resources.  For more information about the Forum program, or to become a member, call 202-588-6296, or please visit www.preservationnation.org/forum/

How do I Buy or Sell a Historic Home?

The National Trust’s award-winning bi-monthly magazine, Preservation, lists a variety of historic homes for sale that can be found in the Historic Properties section toward the back of the magazine.  For information on listing your property, please visit www.preservationnation.org/magazine/advertise/advertise-your-historic-proper.html.  To place an ad in Preservation, please contact Beth Siegel at 202-588-6069, or by email Beth_Siegel@nthp.org.

Additionally, the National Trust’s website includes a Historic Properties for Sale site found here: www.historicrealestate.preservationnation.org/, which includes listings from Preservation magazine as well as web-only listings.  Listings ranging from move-in ready to distressed properties can be added to the site directly by sellers.  For more information about listing a property, email HistoricRealEstate@nthp.org.

Until 2010, the National Trust partnered with ERA Franchise Systems, Inc, to offer the Historic Real Estate Training Program for Realtors who specialized in selling historic homes. Although the program was discontinued, you might contact ERA to see if they still have the list of Realtors trained under this program. 

Your State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and Statewide and Local Preservation Organizations may be able to offer additional suggestions for buying and selling historic homes for sale in your state.  Their contact information is at this link: www.preservationnation.org/contacts/

How do I Get a Historic Home Appraised?

The National Trust’s publication, Appraising Historic Properties, can be ordered by linking to our Preservation Books website at www.preservationbooks.org

The American Appraisal Institute is an international independent membership association of professional real estate appraisers.  It directs residential and commercial real estate appraisal education, research, publishing and professional membership designation programs.  Their website includes educational links and ways to locate a local appraiser; please visit www.appraisalinstitute.org

The National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers (NAIFA) is a nonprofit professional association of real estate appraisers.  In addition to a testing and certifying program, the organization “affords reasonable assurance to the general public of the professional expertise, integrity, and responsibility of the members of the National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers.” For more information, please visit www.naifa.com

The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) is an international organization of appraisal professionals and others interested in the appraisal profession.  Each member specializes in a specific field of appraisal.  Among its resources are tips on “appraisal basics,” various publications, and help finding an appraisal expert. Please visit www.appraisers.org

How do I Start Rehabilitating and Restoring My Historic Home?

Rehabilitating and restoring a historic house is an exciting challenge.  All of your hard work will be richly rewarded when you successfully complete your project.  Keep in mind, too, that you do not have to do it all yourself.  Many professionals are available to assist you during every phase of your project: architects, architectural historians, landscape architects, contractors, and suppliers as well as researchers, librarians, and preservationists.

How Do I Start?

Before buying an older house, you should first determine the condition of the building by thoroughly inspecting it yourself or with a trained professional, such as an architect, structural engineer, or a building inspector with renovation experience.  A local preservation organization can probably recommend an appropriate person.  Carefully map out what you want to accomplish and budget how much money you can afford to spend.  The next step is research.  The more you know about your house, the more accurate your restoration will be.  You will also save money by eliminating as much guess work as possible before beginning any actual work.
Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Search for deeds, tax records, property abstracts, and maps to determine your house's previous owners and the history of the building.  Your city or county records office can help you begin.
• Look through city directories, census records, and insurance maps for information on the house's previous owners. Your public library and local historic society will have this information.
• Conduct a search of the house and its yard. An architect or archaeologist can offer advice as to what to look for, and don't forget to search the rafters for records the former owners may have left behind.
• To determine whether the house is a designated historic structure on the local, state, or national level, or to find out if it is within a historic district, contact your State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).
• If your house is a locally designated historic structure, or in a historic district, you may need local approval to make any changes to the exterior. Ask your local planning office.
• Easements or other tax abatement programs may be available to you. Again, your local planning office and local preservation commission are the best sources of information.

What Resources are there for Financing the Restoration of an Old House?

It can be difficult to find funds for your restoration project.  As always, your bank, your family, or your friends are the tried and true sources of money for renovating an old house.  Sometimes specific funds for preserving an old house are available at the local, state, or national level.  .

Not every state offers the same financial assistance for historic home owners, so it is a good idea to contact all of the following agencies in your state for information on their grants and loans: Historic Development Commission, Department of Planning and Economic Development, Housing and Redevelopment, and State Historic Preservation Office. 

How do I Paint My Historic Home?

There are a number of publications available for preservationists interested in paint colors. Roger Moss has written several books on historic paint colors, including Paint in America: The Colors of Historic Buildings.  While Paint in America is now out of print, you should be able to locate it at your library, in a used bookstore, or through an online bookseller; local bookstores will have his more recent publications.  The National Park Service's "Preservation Briefs" will also be helpful and are available on the NPS website.  Two briefs which will be particularly useful are:  No. 10 - Exterior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwork and No. 28 - Painting Historic Interiors.

The National Trust has worked extensively with the Valspar Corporation to develop an exclusive collection of historical colors.  The resulting palette, sold exclusively at Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouses, covers the spectrum of historic hues.  It features 250 colors certified by the National Trust, having been developed from samples taken from the Trust's Historic Sites; examples include Woodrow Wilson Presidential Ivory, Lyndhurst Duchess Gold and Woodlawn Plantation Pear.  These 100% acrylic paints are available for both interior and exterior work and all carry a lifetime warranty.  Valspar also supports preservation by donating a portion of every paint sale to the National Trust and by supplying paint to the National Trust's Historic Sites.  For more information - including a complete listing of available colors - please visit our historic paint colors page.   

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is the nation's official list of historically significant structures. The National Register was authorized under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and is administered by the Department of the Interior's National Park Service. Some of the types of properties nominated for inclusion in the National Register are historic areas in the National Park Service, National Historic Landmarks, historically significant properties nominated by federal, state, and local governments, organizations, or individuals. A National Register designation mandates that a property must be considered in the planning of federal or federally assisted projects impacting the registered property, and qualifies it for financial assistance from governmental funds for historic preservation when these funds are available.  

The National Register's web site is also a good place to find information about the National Register. The web site offers general information about the program, specific information about registered properties, guidelines for nominating properties, and publications.

You can search on National Register's website to find out if your home is listed on the National Register.

How do I Get a Plaque for My Historic Building?

Plaques for Historic Homes

Owners of local, state, or nationally registered houses often mount a plaque on their property.   A number of private companies manufacture suitable plaques. Historic plaque companies advertise in Preservation, so be sure to look in the classified section for companies in your area.  Consult with your State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and any local historical commission to find out if they have plaque programs. Your SHPO will also be able to tell you if your state has a special funding program to help with the cost of a plaque. More information is available on our fact sheet on plaques for historic buildings and homes.

What Does the State Historic Preservation Office do?

Your State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), a state government office, is an invaluable information source and should be contacted early in the planning process. The SHPO has information on applicable state and federal funding programs or tax incentives credits for preservation, general information on the preservation of historic homes, and nomination forms and guidelines for the National Register of Historic Places.

What are Statewide and Local Preservation Organizations?

Nonprofit statewide and local preservation groups serve as the network centers and representatives of preservation activities within their states.  They work with SHPOs, assist local groups, intervene in preservation issues, advocate state membership and educational programs, issue publications, engage in real estate and revolving fund programs, and serve as a preservation clearinghouse.  The name, address, and phone number of your state’s statewide preservation organization is available on our contacts page.

Should I Contact My Historic District Commission?

Historic District Commissions operate at the local level. Sometimes they are referred to as the architectural review board or the historic preservation commission.  Frequently appointed by the mayor, the commissions have a range of responsibilities and powers depending upon the state and local laws. Typically, commissions conduct town and/or county wide surveys, designate locally significant landmarks, and administer permit programs for applications to alter designated properties and construct new buildings.  Decisions to alter or demolish historic buildings are generally made at this level of government and are most affected by local zoning laws and ordinances. The National Alliance of Preservation Commissions offers more information on historic district commissions. You may also call your local government for your district's contact information. 

What are the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation?

The Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings are excellent resources for all work done on historic homes.  These guidelines are used to determine whether the historic character of a building is preserved in the process of rehabilitation.  The guidelines recommend responsible methods and approaches and list treatments that should be avoided.  A copy can be obtained from your State Historic Preservation officer, online, or from the Government Printing Office.

For more information write to the National Park Service's Heritage Preservation Services office.

Ten Basic Principles for Sensitive Rehabilitation

"What Every Restorer Should Know," an article by Susan Morse, appeared in the January/February 1989 issue of Historic Preservation.  Morse lists the Department of the Interior's "Ten Basic Principles for Sensitive Rehabilitation," also known as the "Do's and Don'ts for First-Timers and Veterans."

1. Make every effort to use the building for its original purpose.
2. Do not destroy distinctive original features.
3. Recognize all buildings as products of their own time.
4. Recognize and respect changes that have taken place over time.
5. Treat sensitively distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craft work.
6. Repair rather than replace worn architectural features when possible.  When replacement  is necessary, new material should match the old in design, composition, and color.
7. Clean facades using the gentlest methods possible.  Avoid sandblasting and other damaging methods.
8. Protect and preserve affected archeological resources.
9. Compatible contemporary alterations are acceptable if they do not destroy significant  historical or architectural fabric.
10. Build new additions so they can be removed without impairing the underlying structure.

What is a Preservation Easement?

A preservation easement is a legal right granted by the owner of a property to an organization or a governmental entity qualified under state law to accept such an easement.   It protects against undesirable development or indirect deterioration.  Preservation easements may provide the most effective legal tool for the protection of privately-owned historic properties.  The terms are generally incorporated into a recordable preservation easement deed and can prohibit, for example, alteration of the structure's significant features, changes in the usage of the building and land, or subdivision and topographic changes to the property.  The property continues on the tax rolls at its current use designation rather than its "highest and best use" (its value if developed) thereby giving the owner a genuine tax advantage.  For information on easement holders in your area, contact your SHPO or statewide or local preservation organization. 

What is a Resident Curator?

In some states, the National Park Service and the state historic preservation office will work with private citizens to become resident curators.  A resident curator relationship allows state-owned historic properties to be restored at virtually no cost to taxpayers.  To see if your state offers a resident curator program, contact your State Historic Preservation Officer.

For example, in Maryland, a resident curatorship begins with the identification of buildings by the Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Historical Trust.  Interested preservationists submit an application with a five-year restoration plan, and must be qualified to supervise and finance the restoration work.  If approved, the resident curator can live in the historic property for the rest of his or her life in return for financing the restoration. 

What Other Resources are Available?

In addition to the resources already listed, several other sources of information are available for historic homeowners.  Searching the Internet using the key words such as: historic homes, preservation, building technology, real estate, architecture, restoration, renovation, and Victorian will help you locate helpful information.  In addition, these sources will also be helpful:

Books, Magazines, and Brochures

Publications such as The New Old House Starter Kit, Buyer's Guide to Older and Historic Houses, Fabrics for Historic Buildings: A Guide to Selecting Reproduction Fabrics, Floor Coverings for Historic Buildings: A Guide to Selecting Reproductions, and Paint in America: The Colors of Historic Buildings are available from the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Preservation Books. 

A Comprehensive Guide for Listing a Building in the National Register of Historic Places by Gail Greenberg takes readers through the process of successfully nominating an historic property to the National Register.  The book includes a discussion of eligibility criteria, suggestions for research procedures, an explanation of and information needed to complete each item on the application, and a sample completed application.  To order call 1-800-222-0737.  There is a discount for local historical organizations.

The National Housing Library, under the sponsorship of the National Association of Home Builders, publishes the quarterly Housing Abstracts.  Housing Abstracts offers access to a variety of housing industry information.  All of the materials cited in Housing Abstracts are part of the National Housing Library's collection.  For information, call 202-266-8200, the Resource Center can be reached at extension #8296.

To locate resources about protecting historic buildings from fires, repairing historic buildings after a fire, fire protection options, and many other issues surrounding historic buildings, fire damage, and fire prevention, contact the Historic Annapolis Foundation. Additionally, Fire Safe Building Rehabilitation, written by a fire protection engineer and a preservation architect, is the industry's first complete guide on how to bring older buildings up to code while respecting their original features. Order from the National Fire Protection Association.

Caring for Your Historic House, by Heritage Preservation and the National Park Service is a book providing information on preserving and maintaining a historic house.  Some of the topics covered are structural systems, roofs, paint, wallpaper, woodworking, and landscape.  To place an order, call 888-388-6789.

The American Association for State and Local History has technical reports and technical leaflets covering a number of restoration and preservation topics.  To obtain a catalog which lists the books, reports, leaflets, and video tapes available, contact AASLH.

APT Bulletin is published quarterly by the Association for Preservation Technology International.  It features articles on all aspects of building and preservation technology, including historical research, scientific papers and project case studies. 

Old-House Journal, edited by Gordon H. Block, is a bi-monthly magazine dedicated to rehabilitation, maintenance, and decoration of old houses; The Old-House Journal Restoration Directory is an annual buyer's guide to products for houses built prior to 1940 or new homes built in the traditional manner.  Old-House Bookshop offers a variety of publications that cover topics including how-to techniques, the Victorian era, historic styles, landscape and gardens, and period decorating. Restoration Directory is available online through the Old-House Journal website or at your local bookstore.  The website for The Old-House Journal provides information on the magazine, allows you to view their classified section, presents information on new preservation related products, as well as tips for historic building preservation.  You can also see historic house plans, and post preservation-related questions on a bulletin board.  The Old-House Journal's Find-A-Pro area of their website will help you locate a local architect, contractor, or lender for your restoration project.  

Old-House Interiors, once part of The Old-House Journal, is a journal, design center and sourcebook with period-inspired design and home products.   

Heritage Preservation Services

Heritage Preservation Services (a division of the National Park Service) provides services, advice, and publications on historic preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation technology. Their publications include Preservation Briefs covering such topics as masonry, mortar, conserving energy in historic buildings, cleaning and caring for historic buildings, and aluminum and vinyl siding. Their website includes information on researching a historic building, applying the Secretary of the Interiors' Standards for Rehabilitation, technical information, and other resources for restoration projects.  The Heritage Preservation Services has also created an online tutorial on the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation called Electronic Rehab. The program is designed for historic building owners, new members of design review and historic preservation commissions, architects, contractors, developers, maintenance personnel, and students.  The site also has a test where you make critical decisions about the appropriateness of rehabilitation work on two buildings and get immediate feedback.

Traditional Building Exhibition and Conference

Traditional Building Exhibition and Conference includes seminars and workshops in preservation technology.  The conference website contains valuable information for historic homeowners, as well as a directory of preservation technology contractors.

Traditional Building is a bi-monthly magazine that serves as an "authoritative where-to-buy-it resource for historical products."  It includes an directory of product suppliers, a product database, articles, and product reports from current and previous issues of the magazine.

Online Resources

Heritage Preservation is a non-profit organization that helps citizens and communities identify, evaluate, protect, and preserve historic buildings, landscapes, landmarks, archeological sites, battlefields, and tribal communities.  Its diverse partners include state historic preservation officers, local governments, tribes, federal agencies, colleges and universities, and non-profit organizations. 

American Bungalow magazine's website is a wonderful resource for people who own or are interested in historic bungalows.  The site offers tips on restoration and interior design, helps you determine what style a bungalow is, has information on publications, and keeps you up to date on the Arts and Crafts movement. 

Visit the American Institute of Architects to find an architect and contractor, help decide whether you should renovate, read tips on managing the construction process, and to find information on architect's fees or on your local AIA chapter. 

The Arts and Crafts Society's marketplace is a virtual home for the Arts and Crafts movement. The site contains information on architecture, design, antiques, restoration products and services, wallpaper, furniture, metalwork, lighting, and textiles. 

The Victorian Society in America is a national non-profit organization committed to the preservation and protection of nineteenth-century heritage and historic buildings.  The site offers information about publications, resources, summer schools, symposia, and architectural study tours devoted to fostering education and appreciation of Victorian heritage.

Ian Evan's World of Old Houses is a guide to caring for and restoring old homes. The website contains preservation product directories for the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. There are also sections for frequently asked restoration questions, essays about preservation technology, and technical tips.

The Interactive Old House Network offers historic homeowners a place to buy and sell historic properties, antiques, and historic hardware; find companies which specialize in historic preservation, building technology, or supply restoration materials; and ask other historic homeowners questions about their restoration projects.  

The Old House Web contains reviews of new restoration products, lists historic hardware suppliers, and offers tips on financial assistance, technical problems, and historic gardening.

Restoration Trades contains a wealth of information on preservation technology including a service directory, bulletin boards, classifieds, job and resume postings, bid invitations, and education resources. 

The website of the Marble Institute of America contains information on the care and cleaning of natural stone and ceramic tile as well as a list of publications on such topics as the history of ceramic tile in America and the names and quarry locations of the world's marbles. Please use this link to their website: 

The website for the Public Broadcasting System's "History Detectives" show includes a guide to investigating the history of a house.  This guide includes a checklist, leads to additional information and sources, and a case study of an investigation of one home's history. 

Cyndi's List of Genealogy Sites on the Internet is a good source for resources that can help you in researching the history of your home.  The House and Building Histories section of this website provides links to websites for libraries, archives and museums; professional and volunteer researchers; publications, software and supplies; and locality specific resources. 

The Straw Bale Association of Nebraska has launched a website to promote their efforts to preserve these structures and general awareness of this building type. There is also a straw bale registry where you can register your building.

In addition to other resources, PreservationDirectory.com offers listings of preservation businesses, products, and services.  Please note that the National Trust for Historic Preservation accepts no responsibility for any ensuing work by any of the listed contractors.  No contractor should be hired without thoroughly checking their references, bonding, and rating with the Better Business Bureau or local Chamber of Commerce.  In addition, with the exception of any of our licensed products, the National Trust does not endorse the services of any contractor, business or service listed on this website.     

The Great American Home Awards

The Great American Home Awards® presented by the National Trust for Historic Preservation was a national competition recognizing outstanding residential rehabilitation projects in the United States. Established in 1989, and last awarded in 2003, the contest honored homeowners and professionals for their dedication to the ideals of preservation, as well as for their commitment to excellence in rehabilitating old houses. 

Do You Have a Glossary of Preservation Terms?

Here are some terms to keep in mind regarding your historic home:

Preserve - To maintain a structure's existing form through careful maintenance and repair.

Reconstruct - To re-create an historic building that has been damaged or destroyed; to erect a new structure resembling the old using historical, archaeological, architectural documents.

Rehabilitate - To repair a structure and make it usable again while preserving those portions or features of the property that are historically and culturally significant.  For example, rehabilitation might include an updated kitchen while retaining the historic stairwell and fireplaces.  Most common approach for private houses. 

Remodel - To change a building without regard to its distinctive features or style.  Often involves changing the appearance of a structure by removing or covering original details and substituting new materials and forms.

Renovate - To repair a structure and make it usable again, without attempting to restore its historic appearance or duplicate original construction methods or material.

Restore - To return a building to its form and condition as represented by a specified period of time using materials that are as similar as possible to the original materials.

Stabilize - To protect a building from deterioration by making it structurally secure, while maintaining its current form. 

American Association for State and Local History
FAQ Contact
1717 Church Street
Nashville, Tennessee 37203
Phone: (615) 320-3203
Email: membership@aaslh.org
Website: www.aaslh.org

American Society of Appraisers
FAQ Contact
Herndon, Virginia
Phone: 1-800-272-8258

Website: www.appraisers.org

Association for Preservation Technology International
FAQ Contact
4513 Lincoln Ave., Suite 213
Lisle, Illinois 60532-1290
Phone: (630) 968-6400

Website: www.apti.org

Government Printing Office
FAQ Contact
941 North Capitol Street, NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20002
Phone: (202) 512-1800



Great American Home Awards
FAQ Contact
Resource Center
1785 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington , District of Columbia 20036
Phone: (202) 588-6164



Historic Annapolis Foundation
FAQ Contact
Shiplap House, 18 Pinkney Street
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
Phone: (410) 267-7619, 1-800-603-4020



Maryland Historical Trust
FAQ Contact
Crownsville, Maryland
Phone: (410) 514-7600



National Alliance of Preservation Commissions
FAQ Contact
325 South Lumpkin Street
Athens, Georgia 30602
Phone: (706) 542-4731
Email: napc@uga.edu
Website: www.uga.edu/napc/

National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers
FAQ Contact
Chicago, Illinois
Phone: (312) 321-6830

Website: www.naifa.com

National Fire Protection Association
FAQ Contact
Massachusetts
Phone: 1-800-344-3555

Website: www.nfpa.org

National Park Service
FAQ Contact
Heritage Preservation Services-424
P.O. Box 37127
Washington, District of Columbia 20013-7127
Phone: (202) 513-7270



National Register of Historic Places
FAQ Contact
National Park Service
P.O. Box 37127
Washington, District of Columbia 20013
Phone: (202) 354-2213

Website: www.cr.nps.gov/nr

National Trust for Historic Preservation Information Center
FAQ Contact
1785 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washingon, District of Columbia 20036
Phone: (202) 588-6000, 1-800-944-6847
Fax: (202) 588-6038
Email: feedback@nthp.org


National Trust for Historic Preservation Library Collection
FAQ Contact
Hornbake Library, University of Maryland
College Park, Maryland 20742-7011

Website: www.lib.umd.edu/NTL/

National Trust Insurance Services, LLC
FAQ Contact
Maury, Donnelly and Parr, Inc.
24 Commerce Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Phone: 1-866-269-0944
Fax: (443) 524-0959
Email: Info@nationaltrust-insurance.org
Website: www.nationaltrust-insurance.org

Old-House Interiors
FAQ Contact
108 East Main Street
Gloucester, Massachusetts 01930
Phone: 1-800-462-0211

Website: www.oldhouseinteriors.com

Old-House Journal
FAQ Contact
District of Columbia
Phone: (202) 339-0744

Website: www.oldhousejournal.com

Preservation Books
FAQ Contact
1785 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20036
Phone: (202) 588-6296

Website: www.preservationbooks.org

Preservation Magazine Advertising
FAQ Contact
Beth Siegel
1785 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20036
Phone: (202) 588-6069
Email: beth_siegel@nthp.org


Traditional Building Exhibition and Conference
FAQ Contact
District of Columbia
Phone: 1-800-982-6247, (202) 339-0744

Website: www.traditionalbuildingshow.com/index.shtml

Traditional Building Magazine
FAQ Contact
PO Box 3000
Denville, New Jersey 07834-9232
Phone: 1-800-548-0193
Fax: 973-627-5872
Email: subscriptions@traditional-building.com
Website: www.traditional-building.com/index.htm

How do I Research the History of My Home?

Researching your House

Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Search for deeds, tax records, property abstracts, and maps to determine your house’s previous owners and the history of the building.  Your city or county records office can help you begin.
• Look through city directories, census records, and insurance maps for information on the house’s previous owners.  Your public library and local historical society will have this information.
• Conduct a search of the house and its yard.  An architect or archaeologist can offer advice as to what to look for, and don’t forget to search the rafters for records the former owners may have left behind.
• To determine whether the house is a designated historic structure on the local, state, or national level, or to find out if it is within a historic district, contact your State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).
• If your house is a locally designated historic structure, or in a historic district, you may need local approval to make any changes to the exterior.  Ask your local planning office.
• Easements or other tax abatement programs may be available to you.  Again, your local planning office and local preservation commission are the best sources of information.
• For additional tips on researching the history of your home, please visit the National Trust Library’s website at this link: www.lib.umd.edu/NTL/Houseguide/index.html