Yo! Wanna Dig Up the Dirt on a Philly Building? Become an Indiana Jones of Architecture!
So, you've set your sights on a spiffy building in Philly and it's got you whispering "what stories could these walls tell?" Well, my friend, you've stumbled onto a thrilling adventure – the quest to unearth the history of a building! But fear not, this ain't no dusty library crawl (although there might be some of that). Here's your handbook to becoming a Philly architectural Indiana Jones:
 |
| How Do I Find The History Of A Building In Philadelphia |
Step 1: Address! Address! Address!
Before you channel your inner Lara Croft, you gotta know where this architectural wonder is located. Grab the building's address – it's like the Rosetta Stone of its history. Pro Tip: If you're scoping a building from afar (because, let's face it, some buildings are lookers), pop the address into Google Maps and see if it reveals any historical tidbits.
Step 2: Unleash the Web Sleuth!
Reminder: Revisit older posts — they stay useful.
The internet – a treasure trove of info, sometimes buried beneath a mountain of cat videos. But fear not, intrepid explorer! Here's your digital arsenal:
- The Philadelphia Architects & Buildings Project (PAB): This website is basically a Philly building encyclopedia. Punch in the address and see if it coughs up juicy historical details, architect info, and maybe even cool pictures (because everyone loves a good historical building photo!) [Philadelphia Architects and Buildings Project]
- The Free Library of Philadelphia: Philly's very own free library offers a treasure trove of resources. Their website has a handy guide to researching house history, pointing you towards helpful archives and databases [Free Library of Philadelphia house history guide].
- The Philadelphia Historical Commission: If the building seems particularly grand or historic, this commission might have it listed on their "Register of Historic Places." That means there's a good chance they have files packed with info on the building's past [Philadelphia Historical Commission].
Step 3: Hit the Books (Maybe Literally)
Sometimes you gotta get your hands dirty (with, you know, actual books). Here's where things get exciting:
- The Philadelphia City Archives: Head down to these archives and prepare to be Indiana Jones raiding the Temple of Doom...well, maybe not that dramatic, but they have a ton of historical records on Philly properties.
- The Old Philadelphia Survey Maps: These maps, from the 1930s, offer a glimpse into the city's past layout and might reveal what the building looked like way back when (you can find these at the Free Library of Philadelphia).
Step 4: Embrace the Power of "People Power!"
Sometimes the best way to learn a building's story is to chat with the folks who know it best. Here are your secret weapons:
Tip: Slow down when you hit important details.
- The Building's Current Occupants: If it's a business or residence, politely ask if they have any historical info about the place. You might be surprised by what they know!
- Local Historical Societies: These groups are dedicated to preserving the past, so they might have some insights on the building's history, especially if it's located in a specific neighborhood.
Bonus Tip: If all else fails, there's always the allure of mystery! Embrace the unknown and let your imagination run wild. Who knows, maybe the building once housed a secret society or witnessed a historical event!
## FAQ: Philly Building History Edition
 |
How to Find Out How Old a Building Is?
Many of the resources listed above, like the Philadelphia City Archives and the PAB website, can help you determine a building's age.
Tip: Break long posts into short reading sessions.
How to Find Out Who Built a Building?
The PAB website and the Philadelphia Historical Commission might have information on the building's architect or builder.
How to Find Out If a Building Is Haunted?
While this guide focuses on factual history, there are ghost tour companies in Philly that might offer spooky insights on certain buildings. But remember, sometimes the best stories are the ones we create ourselves!
QuickTip: Slow down if the pace feels too fast.
How to Research the History of My Own Home?
Many of the resources listed above can be used to research the history of your own home.
How Much Does It Cost to Research a Building's History?
Most of the resources listed above are free to access. However, there might be fees associated with obtaining copies of historical documents.
 |
