Every house has a story, and Long Island is no exception. From century-old farmhouses to modern builds, the walls of your home may hold secrets—twisted, sweet, or even a little mysterious. If you’ve ever wondered about the history of your property, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to research your home’s history and uncover the stories hidden within.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you trace the history of your house.
1. Identify the Era Your Home Was Built
Start by examining the structure and architectural style of your home. The shape, orientation, and design often reveal clues about its age. Early Colonial or Early Republic homes were typically positioned to receive maximum sunlight from the south.
Look for unique features like bricked-up doorways, hidden original tiles, or other surprises. Some homeowners even discover Prohibition-era relics—like bottles of whiskey tucked behind walls—offering a tangible glimpse into the past.
2. Dig for Historical Artifacts
Gardens, basements, and attics are treasure troves for historical items. You might uncover pottery shards, old kitchen tools, glass bottles, or other objects that shed light on previous inhabitants’ lives. Each artifact tells a story and can help you discover your home’s past in a hands-on way.
3. Check for Notable or Morbid Events
Curious about whether anyone has died in your home? Websites like DiedInHouse.com can provide reports detailing any deaths associated with your property. While some real estate agents are required to disclose this information, many states don’t mandate it—so doing your own research can give you a more complete picture.
4. Explore Local and State Records
Historical societies, town assessors, and building departments are invaluable resources for tracing home history.
- Historical Societies: Many towns maintain records of potentially historic properties dating back decades or even centuries.
- Town Assessor & Building Department: Learn about past owners and renovations; older building permits may be archived for reference.
- County Clerk: Deed books and property records provide an even deeper look at your home’s lineage.
These sources can help you research your Long Island home history in detail.
5. Use Online Resources
The internet makes tracing house history easier than ever. Some useful tools include:
- Trace My House: While mostly UK-focused, it has some US resources for historic home research.
- National Archives and Records Administration: Access land records, patents, and other historical documents.
- Family Search: Use genealogy tools to trace previous occupants and property lineage.
- Old House Web: Join forums and connect with enthusiasts who share tips for discovering hidden histories in older homes.
Ready to Make Your Historical Home Yours?
Long Island is full of historic homes with rich stories waiting to be discovered. Whether your property is a modern build or a century-old treasure, Lynx Mortgage Bank LLC can help you find a mortgage that fits your budget.
Discover your home’s past and secure its future.
Contact us today to start your mortgage journey.
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