60 Guest Street, Boston, MA: Unveiling the History and Significance of this Address
60 Guest Street in Boston, Massachusetts, isn't a widely known address like, say, Faneuil Hall or the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. However, understanding its context within the broader Boston landscape reveals a fascinating story about the evolution of the city and the lives of its residents. This address, located in the historically significant South End neighborhood, likely holds unique historical significance, although specific details are often difficult to access without dedicated genealogical research or access to local historical archives.
This article aims to provide a framework for understanding how to research 60 Guest Street and uncover its historical narrative. We'll address common questions people might have about researching addresses like this, providing insights into the process and the kinds of information you might discover.
What kind of building is located at 60 Guest Street, Boston, MA?
Unfortunately, simply knowing the address doesn't reveal the building type. 60 Guest Street could be a residential building (a single-family home, a multi-family dwelling, or an apartment complex), a commercial space, or even a vacant lot. To find out what kind of building stands (or stood) at that address, you'll need to consult resources like:
- Online property records: Many municipalities make property records available online. These records often include details about the building's age, size, and ownership history. Check the city of Boston's website for access to these records.
- Historical maps: Sanborn maps and other historical maps can show the type of building present at the address over time. These maps are often available at local libraries, historical societies, or online archives.
- Google Street View: While not always perfectly up-to-date, Google Street View provides a visual representation of the current building at the address (if one exists).
Who owns or owned the property at 60 Guest Street?
Property ownership information is often part of public records. Again, the city of Boston's online resources are likely your best starting point. These records might list current and past owners, dates of ownership transfer, and potentially even tax assessment information.
Discovering past owners can open up opportunities for genealogical research. Knowing previous owners might allow you to trace the history of the property and connect it to broader narratives of Boston's history.
What is the history of the building at 60 Guest Street?
The history of a specific building at a particular address is rarely documented comprehensively in easily accessible online sources. Discovering this detailed history requires in-depth research, potentially involving:
- Local historical societies: Contacting the local historical society for the South End neighborhood could unearth valuable information about the address and its past occupants. These societies often have archives of local records, photographs, and narratives.
- Boston Public Library: The Boston Public Library's special collections department might hold documents relevant to 60 Guest Street's history.
- City archives: The Boston city archives contain a wealth of historical records. These archives might include building permits, tax records, and other documents that shed light on the building's history.
Uncovering the history might reveal stories of the people who lived and worked there, the changes the building has undergone, and its contribution to the neighborhood's evolution over time.
How can I find more information about 60 Guest Street?
Persistent and resourceful research is key. Combining online searches with visits to libraries, historical societies, and potentially the Boston City Archives offers the most comprehensive approach to uncovering the history and details surrounding 60 Guest Street. Be prepared to spend time meticulously piecing together fragments of information to create a complete picture.
Remember, historical research is often a journey of discovery. The process itself can be just as rewarding as the information uncovered. This journey into the past will likely unearth a unique and fascinating story of a specific address within Boston's rich history.
