Research Resources

Our organization focuses on the how-to of historic preservation; as such, our library contains numerous books, technical leaflets, journals, and other reference materials that can assist people in figuring out how to conduct archival research; determine the appropriate treatment for historic buildings; do hands-on rehabilitation work, and many other topics. If you can't make it to our office in SE Portland, feel free to contact us for information.

While our library has a wealth of how-to resources, we have very few archival resources. That is, our photographic collection is extremely limited, we don't have any specific deed information, and we don't have old records or diaries. Where should you go for archival resources? Try your local historical society, the Southern Oregon Historical Society, or the Oregon Historical Society. Also look into city and county archives and local libraries (question #4 on our FAQ page covers this topic in greater depth).

Now that you're online, here are a few links to websites that are pretty useful. Keep in mind, however, that there are a lot of books out there that have far more information. When you get a chance, turn off the computer, step outside, and walk on down to your local library to learn lots more.

By the way, if you know of a link that should be listed here, please let us know.

National Register of Historic Places
http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr

State government office that oversees historic preservation issues (State Historic Preservation Office)
http://www.shpo.prd.state.or.us

Historic American Building Survey/Historic American Engineering Record
http://www.cr.nps.gov/habshaer/

Oregon State Archives
http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/

Library of Congress
http://catalog.loc.gov/

Preservation Briefs
http://www2.cr.nps.gov/tps/briefs/presbhom.htm

BarnAgain! (for owners of historic barns)
http://www.barnagain.org

Partners for Sacred Places (for religious properties)
http://www.sacredplaces.org

League of Historic American Theatres (for historic theaters)
http://www.lhat.org