House & Building History Research
Every building has stories to share about its history and occupants! Whether you're curious about your ancestral home or need to verify a structure's age for preservation, exploring a property's history can be fascinating and rewarding. The UW-Green Bay Archives offers a wealth of resources to help you uncover the history of properties in northeastern Wisconsin. Dive into our specialized collections to start your journey into the rich past of your chosen location.
Assessment Cards
Assessment cards were originally used by tax assessors to determine the taxable value of a property based on its physical characteristics and improvements. For researchers, these cards can be invaluable for understanding the physical characteristics of a property. They provide detailed information including:
- Layout of building
- Interior composition
- Exterior composition
- Date of construction
- Map of dimensions, shape, etc.
Cemetery Records
Cemetery records offer biographical information, tombstone art, religious affiliation and occupation details of individuals associated with a property. These records can provide insights into the lives of past occupants.
Census Records
Census records, including population, agricultural and manufacturing censuses, contain information about the number of residents, acreage, crops, livestock, manufacturing details and demographics of the property's occupants.
Church Records
Church records document biographical information such as births, deaths and marriages, as well as church history. These records can be useful for tracing the religious affiliations and significant life events of past residents.
City Council or County Board Minutes
City council or county board minutes include ordinances concerning the property, such as street names and licenses, and background information on public buildings. These records can provide context about the property's role in the community.
City Directories
City directories are arranged by address and surname of occupants, including individuals and businesses. They often contain advertisements and are published frequently, making them a valuable resource for tracking changes in occupancy over time.
Community & County Histories
Community and county histories provide information about buildings, biographical details about people associated with the property and specific dates or events. Pictorial histories are especially useful for visualizing the property's past.
Corporate & Business Records
Corporate and business records, including commercial histories, financial histories, minutes and subject files, offer insights into the types and sources of items sold, the economic history of the community and the histories of local businesses and industries.
Court Documents
Court documents, such as civil and criminal litigation records and bankruptcy filings, can reveal legal issues involving individuals and companies associated with the property.
Deeds
Deeds prove ownership of the property, provide valuation details, document property transfers, and record dates of construction, remodeling or renovation. They are essential for establishing the legal history of a property.
Estate Records
Estate records, including wills, appraisals and administration documents, provide information about the value of the dwelling, property transfers, family details and descriptions of the property and personal possessions.
Family Papers or Personal Records
Family papers and personal records, such as letters, diaries and family histories, offer detailed information about buildings, including descriptions, architectural plans, historical documentation and photographs.
Fox Valley Historical Records Survey
The Fox Valley Historical Industrial Survey focused on identifying and describing industrial sites in Brown and Outagamie Counties built before 1945. It includes various documents like agreements, correspondence, research notes, and photographs. These records are housed at the UW-Green Bay Archives and are open to the public. They are a great resource for anyone interested in the industrial history of northeastern Wisconsin. The Fox Valley Historical Records Survey is searchable by address and business names and includes photographs. It is a valuable resource for visual and historical information about properties.
Maps & Plats
Maps and plats, including town maps, property plats, private maps, Sanborn Insurance maps, atlases, W.P.A. survey maps, land ownership maps and Belgian-American farm survey maps, provide information about location, boundaries, outbuildings, material composition, ownership and specific uses of buildings.
National & State Register of Historic Places
The National and State Register of Historic Places is searchable by county, building name and street address, and includes photographs. It is an essential resource for identifying historically significant properties.
Newspapers
Newspapers, including centennial editions, contain advertisements, articles about historical buildings, and articles about individuals associated with the property. They can provide a chronological account of the property's history.
Oral Histories
Oral histories, particularly Belgian-American accounts, offer personal stories by past owners, family members or neighbors about the property's original appearance, significance or evolution.
Photographs & Postcards
Photographs and postcards provide architectural and land information, details about remodeling or renovation, and information about associated structures.
Tax Records
Tax records document the date of construction, property valuation, ownership and transfer of ownership. Increases in value can suggest building improvements or the construction of new outbuildings.
Additional Resources
These are just some of the sources available when researching a historic property. Local public libraries, county courthouses, city halls, local historical societies and museums also possess helpful information to assist you in your search.
Need More help?
Discover the history of local properties. If you need further assistance, our archivists can guide you through the process.