How It Works
When It Was is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, whether you're exploring your town's history for the first time or you're a seasoned researcher. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get the most out of our platform.
Getting Started: Exploring the Map
The interactive map is the heart of When It Was. Here's how to use it to discover historical locations:
Step 1: Navigate to the Map
Click the "🗺️ Map" button in the navigation bar at the top of any page, or visit the map directly from the homepage. The map will load showing your selected area with all documented historical locations marked.
Step 2: Browse Locations
Each marker on the map represents a location with historical data. You can:
- Pan the Map - Click and drag to move around and explore different areas
- Zoom In/Out - Use the +/- buttons or scroll wheel to zoom for detailed street-level views
- Click Markers - Tap or click any marker to view that location's complete historical timeline
Step 3: Search for Specific Locations
Looking for something specific? Use the search bar at the top of the map to find locations by:
- Street address (e.g., "123 Main Street")
- Business name (e.g., "Palmer's Pharmacy")
- Landmark name (e.g., "Old Train Station")
The map will automatically zoom to your search result and display its information.
Using the Timeline Slider
The timeline slider is what makes When It Was truly unique—it lets you watch history unfold in real-time by showing which businesses existed during different time periods.
How the Timeline Works
The timeline slider appears on the map interface and allows you to select any year from the earliest documented date to the present. As you move the slider:
- Markers Update - Only locations with businesses operating during your selected year remain visible
- Data Adjusts - The information displayed reflects what existed at that specific time
- Visual Changes - Watch your town transform decade by decade as businesses come and go
This feature is perfect for seeing how commercial areas evolved, tracking when favorite businesses operated, or researching historical development patterns.
Viewing Location Details
When you click on a location marker, you'll see comprehensive historical information organized in an easy-to-navigate format:
📍 Overview Tab
See the location's address, current status, and a summary of its historical significance.
🏢 Businesses Tab
Complete chronological list of every business that occupied this location, with years of operation and descriptions.
📸 Photos Tab
Historical photographs showing the location through different eras, with dates and contributor credits.
📖 Stories Tab
Community-contributed memories, anecdotes, and historical context about the location and its businesses.
Contributing to When It Was
When It Was is a community-powered platform. Anyone can contribute content to help preserve local history. Here's how:
Step 1: Create an Account
Click "Contribute" in the navigation bar and create a free account. You'll choose a username and provide an email address. Your account lets you add locations, businesses, photos, and stories while keeping track of your contributions.
Step 2: Add a Location
To add a new location to the map:
- Log in to your contributor account
- Navigate to the "Add Location" form
- Enter the street address
- Provide any known historical information
- Submit for review
Our verification team will review your submission to ensure accuracy before it appears on the map.
Step 3: Add Businesses
Once a location exists, you can add businesses that operated there:
- Search for the location on the map
- Click "Add Business" from the location detail view
- Enter the business name, years of operation, and description
- Include any supporting details (owner names, what they sold, memories)
Step 4: Upload Photos
Historical photos bring locations to life. To upload:
- Ensure you own the photo or have permission to share it
- Navigate to the location or business you want to add a photo to
- Click "Upload Photo"
- Select your image file and provide a date (if known) and caption
Accepted formats include JPG, PNG, and GIF. We recommend high-resolution images for best quality.
Step 5: Share Stories
Your memories matter! Add stories to provide context and personal experiences:
- Find the location or business you want to write about
- Click "Add Story"
- Write your memory, anecdote, or historical information
- Include specific details like dates, people, or events
Verification & Accuracy
All submissions go through a verification process to maintain the quality and accuracy of our database:
- Review Period - Submissions are typically reviewed within 3-7 days
- Source Verification - We check information against historical records, directories, and photographs when possible
- Community Input - Other contributors can suggest corrections or provide additional details
- Ongoing Updates - Information can be refined and expanded as new sources become available
Quality Standards
We're committed to historical accuracy while recognizing that some details may be uncertain or estimated. When exact dates or information aren't known, we accept reasonable estimates marked as approximate. Our goal is to preserve as much history as possible while maintaining reliability.
Tips for Effective Research
Want to get the most out of When It Was for your research? Here are some helpful tips:
- Use the Timeline - Move through different decades to see how areas changed over time
- Cross-Reference - Compare our data with old photographs, city directories, and newspaper archives
- Explore Neighborhoods - Zoom in on specific blocks to see detailed business histories
- Read Stories - Community contributions often contain valuable context not found in official records
- Check Multiple Sources - If researching a specific business, look at both the business entry and location entry
- Contribute Your Findings - If you discover new information during your research, add it to help others!
Mobile & Desktop Experience
When It Was works seamlessly across all devices:
- Desktop/Laptop - Full-featured experience with sidebar navigation and detailed views
- Tablets - Optimized touch interface with easy navigation between map and details
- Mobile Phones - Responsive design with bottom sheet interface for viewing location data while exploring the map
All features are available regardless of device, so you can explore history anywhere—at home researching, or on location visiting historical sites!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Map Not Loading?
Check your internet connection, try refreshing the page, or clear your browser cache. The map requires JavaScript to be enabled.
Can't Find a Location?
It may not be documented yet! Use the search function to verify, then consider becoming a contributor to add it.
Photos Not Displaying?
Some images may take time to load. If problems persist, try a different browser or device.
Submission Pending?
Reviews take 3-7 days. You'll receive an email notification when your submission is approved or if we have questions.
Need More Help?
Still have questions? We're here to help!
- Check our Frequently Asked Questions for detailed answers
- Review our Community Guidelines for contribution standards
- Visit our Contact page to reach out with specific questions
- Join our community on Facebook for updates and discussions
Thank You for Being Part of When It Was!
Whether you're exploring for the first time or you're a regular contributor, your interest in local history helps ensure these stories are never forgotten. Together, we're building something that will matter for generations to come.