Brooklyn Historical Society Othmer Library

	Local History & Cultures Map & Atlas Collections		House & Building Research Genealogy

Library Collections

House & Building Research

Library collections include a range of materials for those interested in the various aspects of house or building research or the evolution of Brooklyn neighborhoods over time. The general reference collection includes books about architecture, design, and decorative arts, as well as various neighborhood guides and reports connected with historic districts and landmarks preservation.

Of particular significance to house researchers are historic maps and atlases collection and copies of the official block-by-block Brooklyn land conveyance records (dating back to the late 1600s in some cases). These records include information on block numbers, lots, dates of transfer, grantors and grantees, with references to original volume and page numbers where the records appear.

Information on additional resources.

The Library will be open to readers at the following times:

Wed, Thurs & Fri: 1 - 5 pm

The First & Third Sat.
of the Month: 10 am
- 2 pm
(i.e. Sept. 6, Sept. 20, Oct. 4, Oct. 18, Nov. 1, Nov. 15, Dec. 6, Dec. 20 )

Special Note:
September 24th the Library will be closing at 4 p.m.

Manuscripts and archival collections are open for use during these days by prior appointment only with the archivist .

The image database is also available for use when the library is open, and appointments are highly recommended to ensure access at a time you prefer.

To schedule appointments or for questions about archives or historic photographs, please contact the archivist or photo archivist , respectively. For other library reference questions, please contact the reference librarian .

We recommend that all researchers and readers contact the library ahead of time so that the library staff can serve you best, as we anticipate high demand.

Library Catalog