Accessing Architectural Research Reports & Studies

1914 Sanborn map of Baltimore City showing blocks along N. Howard Street and Park Avenue, with buildings labeled and color-coded.

The Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) creates and collects studies that document Maryland’s architecture and built environment. These studies – which include historic contexts and field and research reports – help people understand how places developed and why certain buildings are important.

Reports and context studies often include information beyond the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties forms and National Register of Historic Places nominations accessible via Medusa, the state’s cultural resources information system. You can check Medusa to verify a property’s current status and see what information is available online.

Many historic context studies are available digitally through MHT’s Document Search tool and others may be accessed through the MHT Library.

What are the documents?

Historic contexts

Historic contexts help assess the significance of a property. Contexts often group related historic properties by theme, time period, or location; for example, “African American Schoolhouses in Southern Maryland” or “Modern Architecture in Montgomery County.”

Historic contexts:

Explain patterns of history and how historic properties fit in
Guide how researchers understand, evaluate and compare historic places
Do not automatically include a resource in the Maryland Inventory or National Register

Field and research reports

Field and research reports include a wide variety of architectural studies, including building-specific preservation plans, historic structures reports (HSRs), and final survey reports.

Preservation plans and historic structures reports

Preservation plans and HSRs document a building’s history, significance, and condition. Preservation plans typically focus more on the property’s condition and future, while HSRs often include more information about the history and development of the property. Treatment options are often included in both.

Final survey reports

Architectural surveys typically produce new or updated Maryland Inventory forms and a final survey report. These reports summarize the historic buildings, districts, or structures included in the survey, as well as:

Basic project details, such as who did the work, where and when it took place, and who funded it
The purpose and methods of the survey
Historical background and major themes of the survey area
Findings from fieldwork, with maps and images of the resources identified
Conclusions and recommendations, including whether properties may be listed in the National Register and what future work is needed
Sources and an index of all surveyed properties

Survey reports outline the findings of a project, and they often include recommendations for listing properties in the National Register. Some survey reports contain information about properties not included in the Maryland Inventory or National Register, which may also be useful for researchers.

Final survey reports can be accessed in person at the MHT Library. Please visit the library page for current hours, policies and appointment information, or to seek research assistance from the librarian.

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