REQUEST A NEW HOUSE HISTORY
If you are interested in a house history for your home and did not find one in our database, we offer the following options.
TIER 1 House History: Deed Chart
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).
Tier 1 house histories typically take two to three months to complete.
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.
Cost: $400
TIER 2 House History: A Full 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).
Tier 2 house histories typically take four to five months to complete.
What you get
- 5-10 page document + supporting research
- A house plaque with wording confirmed with you once research is complete
- A family membership to HSI
Cost*
- $550 members
- $600 non-members
*If your house was built prior to 1775, 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.
REORDER AN EXISTING PLAQUE
Already have — or once had — a Historic Salem, Inc. house history plaque on your home? HSI will be happy to order a new plaque for you. Our records include your original plaque wording, and our historians are happy to work with you to update it. As part of this process, we now encourage homeowners to include the name of the prominent woman of the household alongside existing names and historical information.
Most Salem plaques are 12” x 12”, but elongated and two-piece styles are available if you need extra space. Each plaque ships directly to you with the proper mounting hardware — just let us know if it will be installed on brick so we can send the right hardware.
PRICES
Standard 12” X 12” Plaque
- $225 member
- $250 non-member
Elongated 12” X 14” Plaque
- $250 member
- $275 non-member
Custom Format (e.g. – Two-Piece Plaque)
FAQs
How do I know if a house history has already been conducted for my house?
Visit our House Histories Database and using the Search field, search for your house using your street number and name such as: 9 North Street. If there are no results, HSI has not created a house history for your property. Learn more about requesting a house history here.
How long does it take to complete a house history or plaque?
Timing depends on the level of research requested. A Tier 1 Deed Chart house history typically takes two to three months to complete, while a Tier 2 Full House History generally requires four to five months. Timelines may vary slightly based on research complexity and volume of requests.
What information appears on an HSI house plaque?
Plaque content varies by property and is always reviewed with the homeowner before production. Information may include who the house was built for, notable occupants, occupations, and the year of construction, based on available historical documentation.
My original plaque has been damaged. Can I get a new one?
Yes. Please see information about ordering a replacement plaque here.
Can a house plaque be amended to include others from the household?
Yes. When commissioning a new house history, plaque wording is always reviewed with the homeowner and can include multiple individuals associated with the household. For existing plaques, owners may request a replacement plaque that expands or revises the wording to better reflect the people who lived in the home. In some cases, additional research may be required to confirm names or relationships, and our historians will work with you to determine what is historically supported and appropriate.
Are all of the historical house plaques in Salem created by HSI?
No. Since launching its House Histories program in the mid-20th century, Historic Salem, Inc. has researched and produced hundreds of official house plaques across the city, each supported by documented historical research. While most historic house plaques in Salem are HSI plaques, some property owners have chosen to create plaques independently that resemble the HSI style. These plaques are not part of HSI’s House Histories program and typically do not correspond to a documented house history in our database. Homeowners interested in an official plaque and verified research are encouraged to work directly with HSI to ensure historical accuracy and consistency.
How are plaques installed?
HSI plaques are shipped directly to homeowners with appropriate mounting hardware. Plaques can be installed on wood, brick, or masonry; please note your mounting surface when ordering so the correct hardware can be provided. Homeowners are responsible for installing their own plaque.
Will having an HSI historic house plaque impact my home insurance?
In most cases, an HSI house plaque does not affect a homeowner’s insurance coverage. However, because insurance policies and carriers vary, questions can occasionally arise. We’ve outlined common concerns and helpful talking points in an article based on real homeowner experiences. Read more below to learn how others have navigated these conversations successfully.
Read more: A Conversation About Property Insurance Issues for Historic Homes
