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How to Analyze the History of an Area
Become familiar with local history Learn about local history by using the resources at local libraries and historical societies. State historical commissions may also have reports that include the history of individual towns. Concentrate on sources that give the big picture - you can get the details later.
Look at old maps of the area Locate facilities (local library, local and state historical societies, university libraries, state library, and state archives) that have old maps of the area of interest. Compare coastlines and wetlands on old maps to current ones. Also check the Internet for web sites that have old maps.
Visit the area Drive around the area and get to know the residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Look for old buildings and learn the location of the "old section" of town.
Research former industries Reports of local boards of trade and old town and city directories list industries and businesses. Sanborn Maps (fire insurance maps) give locations of former industries and may indicate the industrial processes or types of materials stored in the buildings.
Research city and state health reports Check state libraries for state or city Department of Health reports to learn of "nuisances" (odor problems from sewage or other sources) or outbreaks of diseases that may be related to environmental conditions; for example, from 1900 to 1903 there was an outbreak of typhoid in New Bedford that was caused by consumption of contaminated shellfish.
Research city, state, and government engineering reports Learn about possible environmental effects by checking state libraries for engineering reports and city halls for Board of Public Works and Department of Engineering reports. For example, an Army Corps of Engineers report, dated 1853, documented the change in hydrography in New Bedford Harbor after the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge was built.
Check newspaper libraries Some newspapers maintain archives of articles that have appeared in their papers. These are often arranged by subject, such as sewerage or sewer system, hurricanes, or particular industries in the area. Newspaper articles can also be found on microfilm at local libraries. These articles are a good way to see what issues were important to residents.
Make a time line A time line with significant local, regional, and national events will help put local events in perspective and give an understanding of why development occurred as it did. It will also help to identify time periods associated with development and environmental effects.
Each area has its own unique history Use that unique history as a guide to indentify the environmental effects associated with development of the area.
Reference For comprehensive guidance on how to analyze the ecological history of an area consult "The Historical Ecology Handbook, A Restorationist's Guide to Reference Ecosystems" edited by Dave Egan and Evelyn A. Howell, published by Island Press, 2001.