Researching a property, be it an old home, a new business, or a section of pastureland, can do more than tell us the history of a space. It can also build a human connection to the people who came before us and the times in which they lived. This talk, which can be customized to highlight local resources, shares creative ways to study documents and assemble relevant narratives from maps, deeds, newspapers, and often unsought or unknown resources. This is ideal for those new to seeking out family and community stories, and helpful for those stymied by a dead end.

Diana Staresinic-Deane is the executive director of Franklin County Historical Society and Old Depot Museum in Ottawa. She is passionate about collecting, interpreting, and recording local histories.

“New researchers will feel empowered to take their first researching steps,” said Staresinic-Dean. “Researchers who have been stymied by a dead end might just find the breadcrumbs they need to progress.”

“Researching Your Home and the People Who Lived There” is part of Humanities Kansas's Speakers Bureau, featuring humanities-based presentations designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.