House History Options

If you are wondering about a house history for your home, and you did not find one in our data base, Historic Salem, Inc. offers the following two options.
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Deed Chart (Tier 1 House History)
This option includes a deed search that traces ownership of the house and determines and/or confirms the original or approximate building date and owner (and architect when applicable).

• Cost: $400* Time: 2-3 months.
• What you get: 
  • An ownership chart + supporting documents
  • A house plaque with wording confirmed with you once research is complete.
  • A family membership to HSI.
    • If you are already a member of HSI you can receive a $50 discount.

 
A Full House History (Tier 2 House History)
This option includes a full house history that traces ownership of the house, determines and/or confirms original or approximate building date, owner, and architect (when applicable), and provides a social narrative of previous occupants (occupations, children, heritage, etc.) and contextual history (i.e., what was going on in Salem or the neighborhood during the house’s existence).

• Cost: $600*. Time: 4-5 months.
• What you get: 
  • 5-10 page document + supporting research
  • A house plaque with wording confirmed with you once research is complete.
  • Family membership to HSI.
    • If you are already a member of HSI you can receive a $50 discount.
• Note: If your house was built prior to 1775, the conduct of a complete house history may require a surcharge of up to $100. If it is determined that your house was built prior to 1775, you will be contacted with what is determined to be a reasonable surcharge. For example, a house built in 1770 would not warrant a surcharge of the full $100, but a house built in 1685 probably would.

 
*We are sad to note the passing of our long-time house plaque artisan. Bob Leonard was an artist and a gentleman. He also provided us an incredible price that we knew we could not expect to find in the current market.  We are pleased that our new supplier will offer a high-quality product and have adjusted the price of this product.  

Historic Salem, Inc. is in the process of reviewing and expanding the existing House History and Plaque program and reserves the right to change product descriptions and pricing at the discretion of the organization.