Collection Information
Social and place histories will typically contain descriptions of geographic features, transportation routes, and the economy of the area. They can also include historical information on seats of government, public institutions (e.g., prisons, schools, etc.), churches, and charitable institutions. Migration patterns are often mentioned, particularly in relation to the settlement of the area.
Social and place histories can reveal what life was like for your ancestors.
Often written for centennial celebrations, many local histories describe the events in the lives of your ancestors which caused them to make the decisions they did. Social histories will describe for you the customs, manners, and moral attitudes of the people in their community.
