Researching an Architect

Need help researching an architect? The American Institute of Architects maintains an online database of historic architects (determined as AIA members before 1978) that can assist you in your serarch. http://communities.aia.org/sites/hdoaa/wiki/Wiki%20Pages/Home.aspx

Here is what you will find in the AIA Historical Directory:

• Names of all national-level AIA members up to 1978
• Years of membership until 1978
• Does NOT include members who joined fewer than 30 years ago
• References to their entries in biographical directories (example: Jamieson Parker)
• Full text of the 3 editions of American Architects Directory
• Digitized files from the AIA Archives (example: Francis Abreu and note Related Records link to Abreu & Robinson with other digitized files)
• What might be in their AIA Archives file, if it isn’t digitized yet—you can request it to be scanned if the person is deceased
• Links to architects’ papers and drawings in other archives (example: Irving F. Morrow)
• Names of non-member architects who appear in directories or other archives
• Names of firms that appear in directories, in other archives, or in the AIA Archives
• Does NOT include lists of buildings

How to research a historic Indiana neighborhood

For new students in the Historic Preservation department, or for researchers who just want to learn more about their own neighborhood, writer Tanya Marsh details her method of researching the Brightwood neighborhood in Indianapolis. Read her interesting article at
http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/property/2009/09/tracing-the-history-of-a-neighborhood.html