About Us

We began to research house histories out of a love of local history, and because of a wish to increase our own knowledge and appreciation of the place in which we live. As we put together more and more histories, it soon became clear that many others shared our view.

Houses are more than just bricks and mortar and often hold fascinating stories of the people who preceded us, helping to shape our homes and the neighborhoods that we know best. House History aims to increase the pleasure that our homes give to us by adding to our knowledge of the people in the past who also loved the places in which we live.

Jana Riggle

Jana Riggle has over a decade of experience in researching historic houses in the United States and the United Kingdom. She holds an M.A. degree in the Archaeology of Buildings from the University of York, UK, and B.A. degrees in both Historic Preservation and History from Mary Washington College, USA. Her professional career has included work in building conservation and restoration, lobbying for laws to protect our built heritage, and researching and writing numerous successful National Register nominations for individual houses and large neighborhoods in Virginia and Maryland. Her vast knowledge of American architectural styles combined with her thorough research skills allows her to uncover an array of information about your house, the previous occupants, and your community.

John Bennawit

John Bennawit has been researching and compiling house and building histories in the mid-Atlantic region since 1999.  He holds a B.A. degree in History from Millersville University and is currently in the Historic Preservation Master’s Program at Goucher College in Baltimore , Maryland . His professional career has included work as an historic/architectural researcher and archivist, with experience in historic preservation and records management. He has written articles for the local historical society as well as the local historic trust. He has a wide knowledge of researching deeds, censuses, court records, historic maps, photographs and other archival documents to reveal all the available information on a house's past.

Nick Bentley

Nick Bentley is the founding member of House History. He studied History at Cambridge University, UK, where he developed his love of the past and of local history in particular. After obtaining a Masters degree, Nick also pursued his interest in buildings by practising in property law. By researching and writing individual house histories he is combining his experience in both fields, and has become a leading expert in the history of buildings.