They're also good tools for researchers interested in uncovering how their surrounding neighborhoods changed over time. Insurance companies stopped creating these maps in the early 1970s. Again, suburbanites can check with their own local libraries and historical societies. Old photos are another treasure trove for property owners looking for their house's history. However, they're often difficult to find.
Homeowners can check with their local historical societies.
In addition, the Chicago Historical Society and Harold Washington Library have historic photo collections. The odds aren't good, though, that most homeowners' residences will be included in these collections. Unless someone famous lived in them, most residences don't make the cut. That doesn't mean, though, that homeowners won't find photos. Betsy Gurlacz, a professional home history writer based in Willowbrook, recommends that homeowners talk with all the descendants they can find of their home's previous owners.