Where to start when you want to research the history of your home?

Living in a historic home often piques people’s curiosities about when the home was built, who lived there, and what changes have been made.

A Google search may turn up some information, but to find the most accurate and in-depth information, we recommend seeking out the knowledgeable people working for our local museums and libraries (see below).

Check out old city directories for the basics:

  • Who lived there and when?

  • What was their occupation? 

  • Try to find photos of the house, people, street, or neighborhood surrounding your home.

  • What schools did the children attend?

  • Locate newspaper articles that mention the house, street, or neighborhood.

  • Look for interesting facts about Beaumont or the world during the time frame you’re focusing on.

  • Notice interesting architectural features of your home. Has it changed? Any interesting stories about remodeling or updates?

Thank you to local historian Judy Linsley who has helped Beaumont residents research their homes for many years. She compiled this and many other resources.