Holland is filled with historic homes. Many with rich, hidden histories. Finding those stories can be a fun scavenger hunt. HDL has resources to help you.
Directories
The best place to start researching the history of your home is the Holland/Zeeland City Directories, which begin in 1984 and continue into the 2000’s. Search for your house’s address to discover previous residents. In early years, directories also provided the resident’s place of work.
Maps
HDL has a small collection of historic plat maps and Sanborn fire Insurance maps that can help you see property lines throughout history. Some of these are only available in microfilm, but a librarian can teach you how to use the microfilm reader, if you need assistance.
Local Archives
Other local collections with house history include the Holland Museum and the Joint Archives of Hope College. Both of these archives are located downtown Holland. You will need to make a reservation to see archival items.
Register of Deeds
The Register of Deeds can also be useful in finding out who historically owned property. Here is where you can locate records in your county.
Ottawa County
Ottawa County Register of Deeds
12220 Filmore Street
West Olive, MI 49460
616-994-4510
Allegan County
Archives – Allegan County Register of Deeds
113 Chestnut Street
Allegan, MI 49010
296-673-0390
Assessor’s Office
The Assessor’s Office is another great way to find out more about the history of a house. Try searching BS&A Online. You will first need to search for your municipality before entering an address.
Census Records
If you know the names of former residents at your address, you can also look up previous census records. These records can tell you the names of everyone in the household.
Census records via Ancestry Library Edition (accessible on HDL property only)
Newspapers
If you know who lived in your house, you could also try looking for articles about them in the Holland Sentinel. Try doing a name search in HDL’s Holland Sentinel index or on the Joint Archives of Hope College’s Van Reken Index. Please note, these newspaper indexes are not complete, but they are a great way to start.
HDL also has microfilm for old issues of the Holland Sentinel (1912-2020), Holland City News (1872-1977), Ottawa County Times (1892-1905), and the Allegan Journal 1856-1892).
Books
Here are a few more resources to help you better understand your house:
Discovering the History of your House and your Neighborhood
