Researching the history of a particular Brownstone

We purchased a brownstone a couple of years ago and I would like to know more of it’s history. Has anyone done this? Or could anyone offer advice in how to do so.. I have often heard people say to me, oh, you should go down and research the public records..Sure, that sounds easy enough but, where exactly am I going down to?  Obviously, i would prefer to contact the proper places via email or mail but, if I have to go somewhere then, I guess I have to.. Thanks in advance,. Daniel

Whitestoner

in History 13 years and 6 months ago

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historicsigns | 13 years and 5 months ago

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Doing the deed history of several of my houses ranks as among the most surprisingly interesting things I’ve done related to the house. I recommend it. Two suggestions: Make use of the indexes. When your deed history tracking backwards hits a snag or missing volume, you may be able to find the owner’s name in an index covering the years you are looking for. Second, expect to make multiple trips over weeks if not months to the deed office, especially for the older books, which may be stored off site. Good luck. Make copies as you go.

11216mac | 13 years and 6 months ago

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try plugging in your address on the Brooklyn Eagle Archive website. It takes some getting used to and trial/error, but it is a lot of fun when the sleuthing pays off. I found some really interesting info about the first owner of my home. http://eagle.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/Default/Skins/BEagle/Client.asp?Skin=BEagle

slopefarm | 13 years and 6 months ago

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Montrose Morris actually ran a good series here on this a while back. Between her suggestions and some additional suggestions in the comments, you will have plenty to keep you busy. Good luck, this can be a lot of fun. In our case, we traced title history through the City Register office at Muni Hall on Joralemon St, then took some of the names from the 1800s and looked them up at BHS. You can learn who lived at the address and what their occupations were.

WBer | 13 years and 6 months ago

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Don’t trust what is on Oasis or DOB’s website in terms of dates of construction – that information is usually incorrect. The other suggestions here are good, and if you want to hire someone to do the research for you, I’d suggest contacting Montrose Morris of Building of the Day fame (I have no connection to her, other than knowing that she knows what she is doing).

m926bk | 13 years and 6 months ago

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See the “Guides to Building Research” on Avery Library’s website: http://library.columbia.edu/indiv/avery/guides/nycbuild.html#guides

ilovestoops | 13 years and 6 months ago

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As a follow up to bobmarvin’s suggestion, BHS is having a workshop on researching your house in November.  Click here for info https://etm.patrontechnology.com/o/BHS/p/run_module.php?__module__=2580.

BobMarvin | 13 years and 6 months ago

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**The library at the Brooklyn Historical Society is worth visiting. Platt books can show you aproximately when your house was built and Brooklyn City Directories will have past residents.**

josh | 13 years and 6 months ago

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Try Oasis.  There is a lot of information to be had there.  To research in person I think the place to go is the Boro Hall DOB office- ground floor and veer to the left.  You’ll know you are there when you smell the old books. Josh Goldstein www.jgoldsteinarchitect.com