On Jan. 7, 2021, Adrienne White and her husband began renovating their newly purchased historic home in Sugar House. The following night, while working in the basement, White and her sister encountered an inexplicable, almost paranormal, occurrence: an unidentifiable noise reverberated through the house. Quickly returning upstairs, they found nothing out of place nor evidence of an intruder. 

The experience prompted her sister to search for information about White's home, which led to the discovery of an obituary for a woman who had passed away in the house on Jan. 7, 1976—exactly 45 years from the day the renovation had begun.

“I’m not a non-believer in paranormal activity, but I don’t believe 100% either. However, my sister sending me the obituary changed my life,” White said. “It sparked my curiosity about the people and events that came before us, prompting me to explore the history of my home and other homes throughout the city. Amazed and fulfilled by what I uncovered about my home, I launched House Genealogy in February 2022—a career combining historical research, genealogy and storytelling to help homeowners connect with the rich tapestry of their spaces.”

Tailored Services for Every Homeowner

According to White, she assists clients with historical research consulting, whether working on projects like preparing a National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) nomination, restoring a historic property or researching broader community histories. She offers tax credit consulting, helping property owners navigate the requirements to qualify for historic preservation tax credits—a valuable incentive for preserving shared heritage. In addition, White offers concise, entry-level reports. These streamlined reports provide homeowners with a foundational insight into the historical significance of their property, highlighting key facts and untold stories without requiring the full research commitment of a comprehensive narrative. This range of services ensures every homeowner can engage with their home’s history to fit their unique needs and interests. 

Crafting Compelling Histories

At House Genealogy, White says she specializes in uncovering the unique stories of historic homes and the people who inhabited them. Her services include comprehensive house histories that bring the past to life through engaging narratives. These histories can be tailored to each client's unique needs and delivered as curated digital archive folders or elegantly designed coffee table books.

“I’m fascinated by the untold stories of the past, particularly those hidden in the places we walk by in our communities every day,” White said. “Creating House Genealogy allowed me to combine my passions for historical research, storytelling and community preservation. I was inspired by the idea that a house isn't just a structure—it's a vessel for generations of life, love and history. Helping others uncover these stories is a way of connecting people with their past and deepening their sense of place and belonging.”

Ellerbeck Bed & Breakfast

Entrusted with developing a detailed history for the Ellerbeck Bed & Breakfast at 140 B Street, White discovered the owner’s narrative needed revision. 

“While it was originally believed that Thomas W. Ellerbeck—the bookkeeper for Brigham Young—built the 1892 home for his plural wife, Henrietta Dyer Ellerbeck, my research uncovered that Henrietta had actually divorced Thomas in 1886 and built the home as a bold statement of independence. This revelation transformed the story from one of romantic legend into a powerful tale of 19th-century feminism.”

Edison Street

For a client on Edison Street, White researched two adjacent homes. In one case, she found a historic photograph showing that the home originally had two stories before a fire reduced it to one. 

“This finding provided clear, new information about the home's original design,” White said. “Presenting this image unlocked an unexpected narrative for my client, who was amazed to learn that his home had originally accommodated a second story.”

Abravanel Hall

In 2024, when the proposal for a new Sports and Entertainment District was underway, the Utah Symphony musicians commissioned White to complete the National Register of Historic Places nomination for Abravanel Hall, formerly Symphony Hall. She conducted comprehensive research, gathered critical archival materials, and crafted the detailed nomination application. 

“My work was pivotal in securing the listing of Abravanel Hall on Nov. 6, 2024, demonstrating the direct impact of dedicated historical research and preservation advocacy,” White said. “This building isn’t even 50 years old yet so I had to write some extra justification for it getting listed for its age of only being 45 years old. The National Park Service read my application and found it was significant enough to list it.” 

Navigating Challenges and Embracing Rewards

According to White, one of the most challenging aspects of her work is knowing when to conclude her research. With a wealth of potential sources and untold stories waiting to be discovered, it takes careful judgment to determine when the narrative is engaging and sufficiently complete. Yet, this challenge is also what makes the research process so exhilarating.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is seeing how discovering a home's history deepens a homeowner’s connection to their property,” White said. “Sharing these well-documented narratives not only helps clients value their space more, but also boosts support for historical preservation. This clear link between people and the rich legacy of the past consistently drives my passion and inspires my work.”

White is deeply passionate about her work. For her, House Genealogy is a dream come true. 

“Each project is an opportunity to unearth hidden histories, celebrate resilience and bring the spirit of the past into the present,” White said. “I remain profoundly grateful to all of my clients for allowing me to share in their journey of discovering the rich, layered narratives of their beloved homes.”

Learn more about House Genealogy at www.housegenealogy.us. λ