The Bogdans learned the history of their home through careful research, archival photos, and a good deal of documentation, thanks to the celebrity of architect Marcel Breuer. But what about those of us who live in a non–descript pile of bricks?

Decide what you’re looking for | There are two types of histories: architectural and social. If you want to find out when your house was built, who the architect was, or certain craftsman hallmarks, you want the former. But what about information on the people who lived there and what the neighborhood was like? That would be the latter, and it can be just as enlightening.

Comb through the home’s abstract of title | Sure, the stack of paper is daunting, but once you get past the parceling of the land, it gets a lot more interesting. Make a “chain of title,” or a list of previous homeowners. If you didn’t receive the abstract when you bought the home, start at the county clerk’s office or your lending office. They will be able to get you the information you need to start your search. (Check out statelocalgov.net to find your local government’s websites.)

Talk to locals | Chat with folks who have been in the neighborhood for a while. Oral histories may not always be the most accurate, but they could get you going in the right direction. Then hit up the local branch of your public library. Page through archived city directories and county census data for any info about prior residents. The local newspaper’s birth, marriage, and death announcements (or try publicrecordfinder.com) are good starting points, too, as are local historical societies, which are often full of people who are passionate about your community. Even if you can’t find specific information on your home, you can at least uncover neighborhood history.

Visit city hall | Or wherever your city or town houses its building permits. These can be helpful to find the year your house was built, when any additions were constructed, and who filed the paperwork.

Use your national resources | The Library of Congress’ American Memory collection has a great searchable map archive—and though not every town is included, it may prove to be an enlightening foray nonetheless.

Keep it all together | Now that you’ve dedicated time to tracking down information, keep it in a file that you can pass along to the next owners. They will be purchasing not only a much-loved home, but also a history they can now tangibly understand.