Post Written by Paul
Husband, Father of two, Pilot and part-time blogger.

Fall Staycation Idea: Research an Historic Site

Places, like people, can all tell their own story. If you pry hard enough, they will whisper their secrets and give up their ghosts. So meet a few ghosts. Pick an historical building or landmark near you and learn the when, where, how and who about why it exists.

How to Make it Happen

Start by picking your landmark. You can choose a location important to your local heritage, or a place of national historic significance. For a complete list of the National Register of Historic Places, visit www.nps.gov/nr/.

Local and state historical societies often have libraries and other resources available to help you start your research. Preservation societies can also provide information. Other important sources to use include records of newspapers, genealogical societies, historical reenactment groups, and state and county public records.

With background information in hand, visit your site. Ask questions of tour guides and get recommendations for further reading. Some questions to ask include:

• Who or what group was responsible for building the site?
• Why did they build it?
• How was it originally used?
• What purpose has it served over the years?
• When was it erected?
• Who has benefited from the structure?
• What historical significance is associated with this site?
• What was happening in the world when it was built?

These are just a few questions to get you started. As you delve into your research, you will surely come up with many more.

Additional Activities

1. Learn about your home.
2. Join a local historical or genealogical society.
3. Celebrate President’s Day (Idea #14)