Digging into your home’s past isn’t just a research project – it’s an adventure. Every deed, map and photograph can reveal stories about the people and events that shaped your space. In Royal Oak, the Historic District Study Committee (HDSC) works to identify and evaluate potential historic districts, helping preserve the city’s architectural and cultural heritage. They’ve put together a few tips to help you start your own discovery journey.

Happy researching!


Dive into Property Records

Trace the lineage of your property through official records available through the Oakland County Clerk/ Register of Deeds. This office maintains records of land transactions, including deeds and mortgages. Accessing these documents can help you establish a chain of ownership, revealing previous owners and significant changes to the property. Call (248) 858-0581 or visit oakgov.com and search “land records.”


Explore the History Room

In the Royal Oak Public Library's Local History Room you'll find city documents, yearbooks, city directories, old phone books, and Bresser's directories. These materials provide insights into past residents and the evolution of your neighborhood. Call (248) 246-3727 or visit 222 E. 11 Mile Road.


Embrace Digital Resources

Expand your research with online tools:
View the official minutes of the Royal Oak City Commission, dating back to the city's incorporation in 1891. Visit romi.gov/minutes.
The library digitized its holdings of The Daily Tribune microfilm from November 1877 – September 2015. Users can search by name, address, keyword, or browse by date. It’s particularly helpful for users trying to glean a picture of what life was like in Royal Oak in the past. Visit ropltribune.org. For assistance in accessing or searching the databases, contact the Adult Reference Desk at (248) 246-3727.


Find Your House on a Map

Sanborn Maps and historical aerial photos can help reveal past structures, property boundaries and changes to your home and neighborhood over time.

Sanborn Maps can be found on the Library of Congress website at loc.gov.

Aerial photos between 1949 and 1997 can be found at romi.gov/aerial.


Utilize Genealogical Tools

Delve deeper into the lives of former residents. The Ancestry Library Edition is accessible within the Royal Oak Public Library, and its database allows you to search U.S. Census records, military records, vital statistics, and more. It's a treasure trove for both novice and seasoned researchers. The Ancestry Library Edition is available for free at the Royal Oak Public Library, 222 E. 11 Mile Road.


The HDSC meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Royal Oak City Hall (203 S. Troy Street) in Conference Room 116.

For more information or to get involved, contact staff liaison, Carol Schwanger, at CarolS@romi.gov.