Explore the stories behind the places you pass every day
Deep dives into fascinating local history, uncovering the stories of the people, places, and businesses that shaped America's communities.
Explore StoriesCurated guides to the historical significance of cities across America. Discover what made each community unique and how it evolved over time.
Browse CitiesReal memories and stories from people who lived through history. Share your own experiences and read what others remember about their hometowns.
Share Your StoryDiscover the fascinating past of your house using public records, archives, and local resources. Learn the step-by-step process to uncover who lived there before you.
Read Article →What do those plaques and signs on old buildings actually mean? Learn how to read historical markers and understand the stories they tell about your community.
Read Article →Local history connects us to our communities and helps us understand how we got here. Discover why preserving these stories is more important than ever.
Read Article →Research tips for discovering what businesses operated in your neighborhood decades or even centuries ago. From city directories to newspaper archives.
Read Article →Best practices for digitizing, storing, and sharing your family's historical photos and documents so future generations can enjoy them.
Read Article →The When It Was app lets you discover what businesses and landmarks existed at any address throughout history. See your neighborhood through time with our interactive timeline feature.
Explore When It Was →