Old houses have rich histories. Much like genealogy, researching your home’s history can be a rabbit hole, but learning more about your home and its former residents helps immerse you in your community.

Who Lived There?

Allegheny County Real Estate Portal provides basic information about your home, an abbreviated list of past owners, and clues that will help you as you continue your research. Be sure to note your Parcel ID, and the Deed Book and Page from the most recent sale.

If you house is older and you want to get more information about the owners and builders, your next stop is the Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds. When establishing a Chain of Title, the easiest way is to follow the Deed Book and Pages backwards through time. Although not all of the county’s historical deeds are available online, their web site allows you to search for Deeds using owners names, Parcel ID and Deed Book and Page information. Deeds that have not been digitized are available to view at the County Office Building, Room 101, they can also be ordered via certified mail. Learn more about contacting the Division of Real Estate. Please note: there is a charge to copy and download historical deeds.

Censuses will also give you a ten year snapshot of your who was living in your home including renters, children, and servants. Historical censuses are available through AncestryLibrary.com. You will need a library card number and pin for access.

What Style Is It?

Understanding the style of your home can help you make informed choices when updating, remodeling, or restoring. We’ve put together a book list full of helpful titles available through the Library.

If your house is part of a plan, a deed may also contain a citation for the Plan Book and pages that you can view through the Recorder of Deeds. This may help with dating and may even reveal the name of the engineers and architect.

Once you have an approximate date, vintage building catalogs are treasure troves of style! The Building Technology Heritage Library through the Internet Archive is home to an impressive assortment of home plans, style books, and trade catalogs.

The Builder was an architectural journal that was published in Pittsburgh from 1901 to 1919. Available as full scans through PA Power Library, you’ll find featured houses, neighborhood development news, and ads from local firms.

Thank you to Justin Greenwalt, whose presentation on house history inspired this Guide! Last updated 9/30/25