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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 
    Research Guides

    Researching Your Pennsylvania House

    Deeds Map

    Deeds

    Deeds record the names of buyer and seller, the date of the sale, the date of the recording, the county and state of residence, the amount of money paid, a description of the property, and the terms and conditions. Deeds in Pennsylvania and most states are available at county courthouses. If your home is quite old, you will want to begin with the Pennsylvania State Archives’ Bureau of Land Records. There is a searchable Land Records index to locate records through the 19th century.

    Property not quite that old? You can search many Pennsylvania deeds and county courts online in the Pennsylvania Land Records and Deeds Directory.

    Old House

    What Does Architecture Tell Me about the House?

    How can you learn more about when your house was built, its original style and composition?  The first step is to identify the era in which it was constructed.  You will also need to learn more about architectural styles and to consult an architecture book or two, to identify the “core style”. Guide to Old House​ Styles and Architecture

    It is also helpful to learn more about architectural styles and terms.  PHMC has developed a pictorial dictionary of Architectural terms. Since many older homes have undergone numerous renovations or additions, you may need to consult an architect to determine the general layout, as well as the styles of roofs, porches, windows and doors.  If you don’t wish to invest the money to hire a professional, simply take a tour of the neighborhood to discover houses similar to your own. 

    What Happened In My House?

    What can I find out about the former owners?  Did anyone die in the house?  Is anyone alive who remembers growing up in the house?

    Historical Societies:  Other important information about your house and its former residents can often be found at your local historical society.  Historical societies often provide the best selection of sources—maps, city directories, newspapers, county histories and genealogical records.

    City Directories: are a great way to learn more about the people listed on your deed as previous owners. Genealogy Research Associates' US City Directories  

    Newspapers:  In addition, search through the local newspapers for mention of the owners or the address of the house.  Check out the State Library​’s collections of Pennsylvania newspapers to help with this effort.