# Site history and context

> Trace a site’s history and neighborhood context.

<a id="capability-actions"></a>

## Start here

- [Install](https://architecturestudio.ai/capabilities/skill-site-history#capability-setup)
- [New to skills?](https://architecturestudio.ai/docs/agents)
- [All skills](https://architecturestudio.ai/capabilities?kind=skills)

<a id="capability-overview"></a>

## What it does

Give Norma a site, historic records or a period to investigate. Norma researches applicable archives and public sources and connects the evidence into a dated account of change.

<a id="capability-setup"></a>

## Install

Connect Arch Studio in Claude or ChatGPT, then return to your conversation and ask Norma for the task. Your assistant uses its available file access and tools to carry out the skill.

- [Add to Claude](https://architecturestudio.ai/docs/install?host=claude&surface=app&method=mcp)
- [Add to ChatGPT](https://architecturestudio.ai/docs/install?host=chatgpt&surface=app&method=mcp)
- [Setup guide](https://architecturestudio.ai/docs/install)

<a id="capability-availability"></a>

## Versions and source

Arch Studio 1.5.1.2 · MCP — Available as MCP workflow instructions in compatible Claude and ChatGPT connections. The assistant performs the work with its own tools and permissions and verifies the actual result before reporting completion.

Arch Studio 1.5.1.2 · Open source — Included in the public plugin for Claude Code and Codex. In this version: Site history and context — Research a site's surroundings, architectural character, history and planned development.

- [Hosted release details](https://architecturestudio.ai/releases/hosted-1-5-1-2-0692a162)
- [Read public source](https://github.com/AlpacaLabsLLC/skills-for-architects/blob/b85cba155ddbabe8e721fc79044e5a9ef4aa7540/skills/site-history/SKILL.md)
- [Public release details](https://architecturestudio.ai/releases/public-1-5-1-2)

<a id="capability-example"></a>

## Usage

Ask Norma in plain language. With Arch Studio connected through MCP, no $ or / command is required. Norma is your assistant working with Arch Studio.

```text
Use Arch Studio to research how the neighborhood around this site changed over time. Start with the supplied historic maps, add relevant archival sources and distinguish what the maps show from interpretations.
```

<a id="capability-scope"></a>

## What it researches

### Historic records

Norma reads relevant maps, archival documents and institutional histories.

### Development over time

Norma compares supported changes in the site and surrounding neighborhood.

### Sources and uncertainty

Norma keeps dates and references attached and distinguishes observed changes from explanations that need corroboration.

<a id="capability-method"></a>

## Workflow

1. **Locate** — Norma establishes the place and historical question.
2. **Research** — Norma reviews the supplied records and relevant local archives.
3. **Explain** — Norma returns the supported account with gaps or conflicting sources identified.

<a id="capability-pairs"></a>

## Pairs with

Norma can add current population and housing context to the historical account.

- [Site demographics](https://architecturestudio.ai/capabilities/skill-demographics-analysis)

<a id="capability-related"></a>

## Related skills

Site demographics — Research the people, housing and economy around a site.

NYC landmark status — Check NYC landmark and historic-district evidence.

- [Site demographics](https://architecturestudio.ai/capabilities/skill-demographics-analysis)
- [NYC landmark status](https://architecturestudio.ai/capabilities/skill-nyc-landmarks)