Obituaries and Newspaper Articles
The Burbank Public Library will provide a pdf copy of an obituary or article from our microfilmed copies of the local newspapers, The Burbank Daily Review (1931-1985) and The Burbank Leader (1985-2008). Because there is no index to the newspapers, this service is available only if the individual in question was a Burbank resident and we have an exact date of death.
The Local History librarian will search the microfilm for the ten days following the death date provided in the request. Staff may also search either the Historic Los Angeles Times (1881-1987) or the Los Angeles Times (1985-current) databases as appropriate. Requests may be submitted via email to [email protected].
Researching the History of Your House
Los Angeles County Assessor Portal
Date of construction, property description, Assessor's ID Number (AIN) are available through the Los Angeles County Assessor Portal.
Current homeowners may also access their property's packet at the local LA County Assessor's office (the Sylmar office serves the City of Burbank). The packet may include permits, blueprints, or site plans that show the original building footprint. Be sure to bring the AIN and documentation of homeowner status.
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
To trace the ownership history of a property (from 1850 on), contact the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk in-person or for a fee by mail or online. They do not do requests by phone. When researching, you will need to have the name of either the grantee or grantor--there is no look-up by address.
Local and City of Burbank Directories
Local City Directories may be able to show you who lived at the address. The Burbank Library has San Fernando Valley Directories only for the years 1926, 1928, and 1930. Burbank City Directories are available from 1936-1970 (some years missing). City Directories are typically arranged by surname, however some years contain reverse look-ups allowing searching by address. City Directories are available to view at the Central Library Information Desk during normal business hours. For more information, call (818) 238-5580.
Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps
Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps may show the original structure of the property and layout of the street. The Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps database is available online with a valid Los Angeles Public Library card. However, please note that the Sanborn Maps have limited San Fernando valley coverage.
Additional Burbank History Resources
- City of Burbank Historic Preservation Planning The Community Development Department website with information about the Historic Preservation program including reports, guidelines and policies for historic preservation in the City of Burbank.
- Burbank in Focus A digital library of historical Burbank photos hosted by Burbank Public Library.
- Burbank Historical Society Founded in 1973 by a small group of community members committed to collecting and preserving the history of Burbank. The society operates a museum complex with two structures, one which houses the society’s historical and antique collection, and the other an 1887 restored framed Victorian house (one of six built by the Providencia Land, Water and Development Company).
- Burbankia A website featuring a collection of history, lore, images and personal stories run by Burbankers, 1974 Burbank High School Bulldogs, and local historians Wes Clark and Mike McDaniel (1956-2024).
- MyBurbank.com--Flashback Fridays A locally produced website with news and articles of interest about Burbank. A regularly occurring feature is Flashback Fridays written by Mike McDaniel about short and true stories from the history of Burbank.
- Burbank Public Library A history of the Burbank Library through the decades.