Get Started

The HistWeb Screen is divided into 4 sections, The top header, the Tool buttons on the left, the map of Historic Sites in the center, and list of layers or the map legend. Along the top header you will find the eWashtenaw logo, the HDC logo, and some links. 'Find us' shows where we are in Michigan, 'Contact Us' links to our contact form, and the eWashtenaw logo links back to the eWashtenaw website.

The Tool Buttons on the left activate tools that can be used on the map in the center of the screen. The Tools are grouped by type with general tools at the top, search tools next, zoom tools, and then the print tool. A general rule is to click a tool on the left and then click the map for something to happen.

The right frame is the legend or layer tool. The legend is initially hidden, and the layer tool list is displayed. To turn on/off a layer click the check box next to the layer and click the REFRESH MAP button. To switch to the legend, press 'Show Legend' button, which is a Tool Button on the left.

Exploring HistWeb

• First, move your mouse cursor to the area you would like to explore
• Press and hold the Left mouse button, and while holding the left mouse button, drag your mouse cursor to draw a box around the area you would like to explore.
• Release the mouse button. Please wait while the page says "Retrieving Map ...", and the area you selected will be displayed.
• Repeat this process to zoom closer to the area you would like to explore.



• When you find a site (which will have a red dot), activate the Identify Site function by pressing the "Identify Site" button (which is on the menu to the left of the map). The "Identify Site" button will be highlighted.
• Move the mouse cursor directly over the red dot representing the site you have located and press the left mouse button to identify a site.
• A new window will appear with the historic information about the site you selected.

Finding a Historic Site

There are three different ways to find a Historic Site.

• If you know where the site is located in Washtenaw County, you can use the directions above to find the site on the map.
• If you know the current owner's name, the address, or parcel number, you can press "Find Sites". This will bring up a new window where you can enter any of those search terms to find the Historic site you are looking for.
• You can press "Advanced Search" to find a Historic Site by up to nineteen different search criteria.