How do I find old newspaper articles and civic records and documents?

Be more specific. Is it the history of a building in a city in which you live? If so, then go the the city/county/state office of deeds and records and also go to the government office where they keep recorded plats and plans required for building permits. Also Historical Societies and Historic Preservation groups.

You will also have [sometimes] the pleasure of holding the original drawings in your hands.I have had to do this for legal research—finding out who sold what plot of land to whom and how it was subdivided and who then sold what to whom. Also on record are such things as major renovations, conversions, etc. For history of the persons involved the digging goes deeper.

I am about to pursue this again through Historical Preservation Societies for structural and design details over the years.

you may have luck researching at the local library. You need to go ask for the Micro-Film section. Building plans and other related documentations required for building permits may be also available from the governing buildings and land use agency.

“And for the love of God, can someone please tell me if that machine that is used to scroll through and read old documents has a name?”

That machine is usually called a microfiche reader, and I’m happy to tell you that without the love of any nonexistent entity. ;-)

See if there is a local historical society. The one in my town has an archive of old documents, photos, newspapers, and documents.

My town has only been incorporated for about 35 years, but it did have a Pony Express stop. Since it was a small town until the transportation to San Francisco was improved in the 60s and 70s, when it was incorporated they made an effort to get as much material as possible from the older citizens.

Ah microfiche.

Just FYI – if the county land use file clerk tells you there was a fire and all the documents you’re looking for were destroyed, they’re lying. What that really means is the stuff is stored off-site, and they don’t want to bother digging in the uber-cold, dusty, yucky building full of rats for something that’s probably not what you want to see anyway.

Go to a college library.

University libraries here also carry many newspapers on microfiche. Some libraries (our State and National libraries) carry original copies. We also have the National and State archives. They may have information that could be useful. We can search ours online and request files be sent to our local archive office sometimes. If you want to look at a lot of material you will need to visit the appropriate office though. The archives here have huge amounts of material about individuals, organisations, you name it! If you want to know about a specific building, I agree that historical societies may have some information. Good luck.

My local library gives me online access to databases and newspaper archives which normally require a paid subscription. I log on with my library card number.