Services | Legacy Roots

House Histories

This personal home, built ca. 1832 was researched for a complete history which included an architectural and archaeology analysis. Compiled into a report with maps, photos, and documents, the owner, an author, plans on adding his own family history to a personalized hardbound book.

Built c. 1872, this project resulted in the discovery of famous occupants, Eleanor Roosevelt and composer Vittorio Giannini. The agent developed a compelling marketing piece along with a grand open house with drinks named after Gianni's operas and entertainment by a violinist playing several of his symphonies.

This home was researched for the realtor to determine the build date and history of owners and occupants. The detailed report which included maps, photos, and documents was used to develop a unique marketing piece.

1/6

When you decide to dig into the history of any building or house you open a door revealing secrets and uncovering the footprint and spirit of the lives of those who lived there. You may wish to search the home you reside in, one your ancestor lived in, or a string of ancestral homes to build a family story. Or, you may wish to enhance the sale of your home by exposing the uniqueness of the details of its construction and history, setting it apart from every other one on the market. Whatever your project is there is a story to be told. Check out some of my past projects in the slide show for ideas then contact me to discuss yours. (Select photos to enlarge and view description)

CONTACT

Building Archaeology

The story behind the symbol of an ox and the inscribed lettering and numbers was searched revealing an understanding that the symbol was a direct relationship to the owner's occupation as a butcher at the time of its addition.

The hardware installed on this early 18th century home was discovered to have been imported from England during a time when the maker exported it in bulk during the time frame of its installation. Discovery was in collaboration with the Director of the Church of England.

Mystery solved of two missing gargoyles removed from the Iturbide Palace in Mexico, which through research, was identified to have been taken by a US traveler during the late 1800s with a plan to install them in a Chicago, Illinois fountain. Continued search for the missing gargoyles continues. (Photo provided by Fomento Cultural Banamex.)

1/4

Professionals and private individuals alike need to have an understanding of a building before undertaking restoration, alterations, or preservation. Building archaeology begins with a cursory search of relevant documents followed by examination and recording of the material evidence including walls, roofs, floors, etc. The evidence is then analyzed and compiled into a thorough report that is comprehensible for the layperson as well as the professional. Aside from building projects, sometimes there are single building materials or artifacts that are a mystery. I am ready to help through research and when necessary, collaboration with expert connections throughout the world. (See some of the my projects in the attached slide show and then contact me to discuss your project.

Historical Research & Genealogies

CONTACT

Many of us have heard about cases of property which was never claimed by descendants. In this case property was purchased expecting that oil was located on the land. Money was extracted from investors with promise of large returns...some of which never came to fruition. Nonetheless, my client commissioned Legacy Roots to tract down living descendants of property to clear title of ownership.

In this case, Legacy Roots was contracted to dig into 18th century records to determine if a client's ancestor was related to a famous person whose historic home is well known.

At times situations arise where family history is of a delicate nature. In this case Legacy Roots was contracted to learn if a murder/suicide of a direct ancestor was true and why it happened.

1/5

When considering searching one's family lineage we often think of it as being straight forward, but then comes the moment when a dead end puts a halt to the search. This can happen as one is on a personal quest to build a family tree, solve a family mystery, or for professionals seeking descendants for probating an estate. Legacy Roots has discovered answers and resolutions to many challenging projects. Review some of them in the slide show and then contact us to discuss your unique quest, brick wall, or puzzle. (Select photos to enlarge & view description.)

Legacy Roots LLC

Building the future on the strength of the past

House Histories

Manhattan, NY

Manhattan, NY

Hoboken, NJ

Building Archaeology

Dettwiller, France

Crosswicks, NJ

Iturbide Palace, Mexico

Historical Research & Genealogies

Clearing Title of Ownership

Descendant Proving

Tragic Circumstances