House Genealogy

The  genealogy of a house or location is very important in any paranormal investigation.  It’s important to gather all the history of the location to help keep the facts correct.  This job should be assigned to at least two members of the team.  This project can take time and resources to provide accurate information to a client. 

They should question the location and find the answers to them. There should be a form created to help them keep track of their research. All case questions should include the 5Ws questions, (What, When, Where, Who, Why) and How.

Here are some examples of some questions:

When was it built? (Dates, Times)

Why was it built? – Why was it demolished? –Why was it moved?

Who owned it? Who live there?

What happened to the people who lived there? What really happen?

Where did it happen?

How did it happen?

Does the location have any secret tunnels or cubbyholes?

These questions will help anyone find additional answers to the genealogy of the location. Whether you're looking for documentation for historic status or are just plain inquisitive, tracing a property's history and learning about the people who have lived there can be a fascinating and fulfilling project.

Make sure the researchers understand the project and what they are asked to find.  When conducting research on a house or building there are usually two types of information that people search for: 1) architectural facts, such as date of construction, name of architect or builder, construction materials, and physical changes over time; and 2) historical facts, such as information on the original owner and other residents through time, or interesting events associated with the building or area. A house's history may consist of either type of research, or be a combination of both.

Get to Know Your Home

Understanding the genealogy of your home can be a rewarding project to take.  Taking on a genealogy project of your home will help you find historic value of your home and better understanding of past history of your home.

Begin your search by looking closely at the building for clues about its age. Look at the type of construction, the materials used in construction, the shape of the roofline, the placement of the windows, etc. These types of features may prove useful in identifying the architectural style of the building, which helps in establishing the general construction date. Walk around the property looking for obvious alterations or additions to the building as well as roadways, paths, trees, fences and other features. It is also important to look at nearby buildings to see whether they contain similar features which will also help to date your property.

Talk to relatives, friends, neighbors, even former employees - anyone who might know something about the house or building. Ask them not only for information about the building, but also about former owners, the land upon which the house was built, what existed at that location prior to construction of the house, and the history of the town/community. Check family letters, scrapbooks, diaries, and photo albums for more possible clues. It's even possible that you may find an original deed or even a blueprint for the property.

A thorough search of the property may also yield clues between walls, floorboards, and other forgotten areas. Old newspapers were often used as insulation between walls, while journals, clothing, and other items have been found in rooms, closets, or fireplaces that for one reason or another were sealed over. Now I'm not recommending that you knock holes in the walls unless you are planning a restoration, but you should be aware of the many secrets which an older home or building can contain.

Most of the information that you are looking for will be at City Hall or at the local library. You will be amazed at what you can find if you look deep and closely.  The library can provide you with pictures and history of the location where your house or building is located. 

When taking a closer look of the past, it’s important to keep track of the dates and findings.  Take notes that help you draft a time table and location map of all your findings.  This will help make the genealogy of the location come alive.

To be continued (book)

Please don't copy our articles. March

S.U.R.G.E Paranormal Group
P.O. Box 5841
El Monte, CA 91734
info@surgepg.org