Research: How to??

[FinalLastDays]

I am planning on going to our local library in order to get some research done for possible metal detecting sites. How do the more experienced researchers here on Treasure Quest go about finding those great sites that you find good old coins? I know that books with old photographs help some and that other people read tons of books to find information as well. I have been to our library a few weeks ago and was able to find books dealing with some neighboring towns and cities. I was also able to find books on the culture of our area as well as other books that dealt specifically with the cuisine of our area. What I was not able to find was books dealing specifically with the history of our towns. I was not able to find old maps of our parish (county) or cities. Does anyone here research the microfilms of newspapers from times past? If so, what do you search for when you start to view them?

I know a lot of you, being winter, are in the process of researching your spring hunts, however living near the gulf coast of Louisiana, I am able to metal detect in non-frozen ground year round. I would appreciate any help I may receive to this post. Thank you!

[PAPPY]

Although many good things may be located at the library i.e. old newspapers, books, magazines etc. I perfer the County Court House at the Register of Deeds Office. At the register of deeds is all the land purchases, transfers,land grants, wills and all that good stuff. Most register of deeds offices let you search ( They have a seperate reading room) in all the old books where you can find all types of information,maps etc. The searchs are free and you can take all the time you wish. The only charge that I have come across is the cost for any copies you wish to make and they are very small. All the information at the register of deeds office is PUBLIC INFORMATION...PAPPY

[John's Detectors]

The courthouses are a great resource. I used to do some surveying and we had to access records at the courthouses many many times. I saw some pretty old records and info! Like Chuck said the internet has made looking for information so much easier. Good luck and Happy New Year!

John Tomlinson,CET
John's Detectors
Blackwell,Tx.
Best Little Detector Shop in Texas!

[rip]

Well i think they all about got it !Dont forget though talk to the old folks that have been around for a long time.Also look up your local historical society and talk to or join them.Also when cheaking newspapers look in the lost and found add's

[KenPa]

I live in northampton county Pa. and the county web site has a section that you can type in the address and it tells who owns it and the year house was built and it gives a sketch of the property and any out buildings and property lines. That helps me alot with getting older homes to hunt and who to get permission from. It says search local tax records. I don't know if your county has anything like this but it's been a great help for me. Good Luck

[Dick from IA]

Whenever I'm out and about, in any conversation, I try to mention my hobby and ask for suggestions. I have found this to be quite helpful as most everyone likes to help out and will come up with suggestions of places I've never even considered.

[INDY]

Here's another idea:
Try your local muesum if your town or county has one. I went to ours today and wow lots of pictures and old maps to look at, also our muesum has county history books to buy..which I have 2 on our county, found many places to detect just by these books. Ours also has a resource room to look at old maps and such, I wasn't able to look thru any today but will be returning soon.

[FinalLastDays]

Thanks, everyone, for your responses.

Pappy - I knew information was able to be obtained from the court house, but I never knew where to begin to look and who to talk to once I would get there. Your input was/is very valuable, therefore a special "Thank you" goes out to you. I worked through lunch today in order to get off an hour earlier which enabled me to get to the parish court house. I could not find a "Register of Deed's Office" there, however I did follow the signs to the record department, and after being directed to another location I was able to get to speak to a woman who was able to pull up aerial satellite maps on her computer, which when I showed her the properties I wanted info on, she was able to instantly give me contact names and addresses.

I totally thought I was going to be put in a room with lots of books and maps in order to find out more information, which I would have preferred to do... the woman was nice and helpful, however I felt very rushed, therefore I don't know how often I will go back there for information. What I am happy about is that one of the sites I now have a contact name and address for was once home to a confederate Civil War camp during 1862-1863. A small compound for Union prisoners of war was also located at this camp. I do hope I receive permission to hunt this ground.

Thanks again, all, for your help and input!

[PAPPY]

Good Luck With Your Hunts Stephan

[nhggagnon]

Hi,

I agree that all the suggestions above are great! Some other things to keep in mind are:

Depending on the location, local town offices will sometimes be selling local history books. I know this was the case in New Hampshire, especially if they are approaching or just past a major centenial / bicentenial celebration. (actually every 50 years usually stirs up the historical folks in a town to present their data in a new way). They also have town/county reports that detail all the town business for the year. Barring natural disasters these should go back to the founding of the town. You will probably have to arrange with the office to view older ones.

Church and bible histories can also be helpful especially if you're researching revival sites.

Believe it or not EBAY! You would be surprised at what people have for sale and some of it real cheap. town/county reports, photos, postcards journals and most importantly maps! Just punch in a town and state into the search and see whats there. Of course most of the photos you dont even have to buy, just look at them to get ideas and if you want a copy just save the image.

Lastly, try to avoid frustration when referencing older maps by trying to overlay the information on a topo map. Roads change all the time but rivers and mountains seldom do. TopoZone - The Web's Topographic Map, and more! is great for this as it often contains maps dating back 50 plus years that may still show older roads or areas before dams were erected, flooding large areas (and yes I know that one from experience. Always wondered why I couldnt find that town until I realized it was under about 60 feet of water :) )

Good Luck
Gary