About When It Was

When It Was is more than just a historical database—it's a community-powered time machine preserving the stories, businesses, and memories that shaped our hometowns.

Every building has a story. Every street corner holds memories. But as time passes, those stories fade, businesses close, and memories are lost. We're on a mission to change that.

Our Story

When It Was began with a simple question: "What used to be here?" Standing in front of a building in Palatine, Illinois, wondering about its past, we realized there was no easy way to discover the history hiding in plain sight all around us.

That curiosity sparked the creation of an interactive platform where anyone can explore the complete history of any location—seeing every business that occupied a spot, viewing historical photos, reading community stories, and experiencing how their town evolved through the decades.

What started as a local project in Palatine has grown into a comprehensive historical archive, and we're just getting started. Our vision is to expand nationwide, helping communities everywhere preserve their unique histories before they're lost forever.

What Makes Us Different

Unlike traditional historical archives or databases, When It Was is:

• Interactive & Visual - Our time-slider map lets you literally watch history unfold, seeing how your town transformed decade by decade
• Community-Powered - Every location, photo, and story comes from people like you who have memories and knowledge to share
• Comprehensive & Detailed - We don't just list businesses—we capture photos, stories, exact years of operation, and historical context
• Accessible to Everyone - Free to explore, easy to use, and designed for both history enthusiasts and curious neighbors
• Location-Specific - Click any address and instantly see its complete historical timeline—no searching through scattered records

Our Community

When It Was is built by people passionate about preserving local history:

• Long-time Residents who remember the stores, restaurants, and businesses that shaped their childhoods
• History Enthusiasts researching architectural changes, economic trends, and community development
• Local Businesses documenting their heritage and connection to the community
• Genealogy Researchers discovering where ancestors worked and lived
• Curious Neighbors learning about the history right outside their door

Our Vision for the Future

We're just beginning this journey. Here's what we're working toward:

• Nationwide Expansion - Bringing When It Was to cities and towns across America, creating a comprehensive national historical database
• Enhanced Features - Adding oral histories, video interviews, newspaper archives, and augmented reality experiences
• Educational Partnerships - Working with schools and universities to use our platform for historical education and research
• API Access - Allowing researchers, historians, and developers to access our data for their own projects
• Preservation Initiatives - Partnering with historical societies, libraries, and archives to digitize and preserve at-risk materials

Why This Matters

History isn't just dates and facts—it's the foundation of community identity. When we lose the stories of our local businesses, neighborhoods, and people, we lose part of ourselves.

Every day, valuable historical knowledge disappears as long-time residents pass away, old photographs are discarded, and memories fade. When It Was creates a permanent, accessible record that ensures these stories survive for future generations.

Whether you're researching family history, exploring local architecture, teaching students about community development, or simply curious about your neighborhood's past, When It Was provides the answers that used to take hours of research—instantly and visually.

Our Commitment

We're committed to:

• Accuracy - All submissions are reviewed and verified before publication
• Community Ownership - Contributors retain rights to their photos and stories while sharing them with the community
• Privacy - We protect contributor information and never sell user data
• Accessibility - Keeping the platform free and easy to use for everyone
• Continuous Improvement - Regularly adding features based on community feedback

Get Involved

There are many ways to be part of When It Was:

• Explore the Map - Discover the history of your favorite locations
• Add Locations & Businesses - Share places you remember or have researched
• Upload Photos - Contribute historical images from your collection
• Share Stories - Add memories and context to locations and businesses
• Spread the Word - Tell friends, family, and local historical societies about the platform
• Provide Feedback - Help us improve by sharing your ideas and suggestions

Thank you for being part of our community. Together, we're ensuring that the past is never truly lost—it's just a click away on When It Was.