A Program of Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation

Historic Restoration

The following resources include useful websites regarding historic landmarks and the restoration of old or historic homes. Included are resources specific to the Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania region, as well as a section on resources for the research of house histories.

NATIONAL RESOURCES on HISTORIC RESTORATION

  • National Register of Historic Places

This National Park Service’s website is the official site of the national historic registry. It includes a searchable database of research materials and lists of national historic landmarks with maps and photographs as well as information for how to list a property in the historic registry.

http://www.nps.gov/history/NR/

  • National Service Preservation Briefs

This site offers a compendium of reference points for housing restoration and preservation projects.

http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/presbhom.htm

  • National Trust for Historic Preservation

Offers information on legal and policy issues on historic preservation and restoration, and a social network for older and historic homeowners. It also includes guides on weatherization for older and Historic Buildings, lead safe practices, a window contractor locator, workshops and seminars, Green on the Cheap, and Save Your Windows.

http://www.preservationnation.org/

  • Old House Journal

A premiere magazine for old house restoration, this website includes access to archived issues, current articles, an online community forum, and product guides.

http://www.oldhousejournal.com/

  • Old House Web

Old House Web offers how-to guides on a number of restoration and renovation projects for the owners of older homes including a green guide and a gardening section.

http://www.oldhouseweb.com/

  • Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation

The National Park Service’s official standards for the treatment of historic properties.

http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/standguide/

LOCAL RESOURCES

  • Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation

The Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation is recognized as one of the nation’s most innovative and effective non-profit historic preservation organizations.

http://www.phlf.org

  • Young Preservationists Association of Pittsburgh

This organization aims to encourage more young people to get involved in historic preservation. YPA provides events, tours, research, training, technical assistance, and special projects that encourage the next generation to take a leadership role in preserving their communities.

http://www.youngpreservationists.org/

  • Preservation Pennsylvania

Dedicated to the preservation of historically significant properties in Pennsylvania, this organization’s website includes information for funding sources for historic preservation as well as a guide to community action for saving historic properties and neighborhoods.

http://www.preservationpa.org/

  • Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh House History Resources

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has listed a comprehensive set of books and organizations that homeowners can consult on preservation projects.

http://www.clpgh.org/research/pittsburgh/history/househistories.html

  • Western Pennsylvania Craftsmen’s Guild

The purpose of this website is to provide homeowners with a list of highly qualified and experience craftsmen skilled in the restoration of historic properties including painting, plastering, stained glass, woodwork and upholstery.

http://www.westpenncraftguild.com/

  • Wilkinsburg Historical Society

This page of the Wilkinsburg municipal site offers information about historic preservation in the borough, including a description of the various architectural styles found in Wilkinsburg.

http://www.wilkinsburgpa.gov/resources/Preservation.aspx

    HOUSE HISTORIES

    Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh House History Resources

    This is a great place to begin your house history search. Offering contact information and links to repositories of regional historical property records including deeds, city directories, census records and more. Included is a short bibliography of books on house history research available at the library.

    http://www.clpgh.org/research/pittsburgh/history/househistories.html

    This Old House article

    This article discusses the process of building a house history for your home. It includes a good discussion of how to interpret architectural and building features to determine historical aspects of the home.

    http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,1560818,00.html

    Preservation Pittsburgh

    The website of this non-profit advocacy group includes a substantial list of local resources regarding historic properties and neighborhoods.

    http://preservationpittsburgh.org/