How to Research Historic Properties

Congrats, you own a historic home or property! Now comes the fun part: learning all about it.

While we do maintain a small archive at our offices, you’re most likely to find what you’re looking for through one of these resources:

The Burton Historical Collection at the Detroit Public Library is Detroit’s most robust local history collection and employs very helpful librarians. Specifically, the Burton’s historic maps, phone, and street directories will help you trace the previous occupants of the building. They may be able to give you leads on photos of the area. Some materials are also available online through the Detroit Public Library’s Digital Collections.

You can try searching the Detroit Historic District map for reference. And you can find final reports from the Detroit Historic Designation Advisory Board here.

Read this blog post! The advice in it holds true for commercial as well as residential properties, and it is the single best, most detailed explanation of how to research a Detroit building’s history.

You’re always welcome to share what you find! Email info@preservationdetroit.org
We’re always excited to learn more about Detroit buildings!