Family history and geneology research has become more popular with sites like Ancestry.com and television shows like Finding Your Roots and Who Do You Think You Are? But have you ever considered researching the history of your house? Here in Ipswich there are 59 First Period homes (1626-1725), more than any other town in the nation! Ipswich is even in the Smithsonian Museum of American History!
Everything from careful observation of design elements and craftsmanship, construction details, nails, paint colors, molding and muntin profiles to town records, county archives, historic societies, your state preservation officer (every state has one), maps and recorded instruments from the Registry of Deeds can all give you clues. Thanks to This Old House Magazine we have a great list of tips and ideas on how to uncover history of your home or, what's within YOUR walls!
