User Guide
Learn how to contribute to the New Haven Building Archive
Getting Started
The New Haven Building Archive is a collaborative platform where you can contribute information about buildings in New Haven, Connecticut. This guide will walk you through the process of creating an account, adding building entries, and managing your contributions.
Create an Account
To contribute to the archive, you'll need to create a free account. Click the "Register" button in the header to get started.
- •Click "Register" in the top navigation bar
- •Fill in a username of your choice and create a password
- •Once registered, you can log in and start contributing
Create a Building Entry
Once you're logged in, you can create new building entries using the Create page. Each entry includes detailed information about a building's history, architecture, and current use.
- •Navigate to the "Create" page from the header menu
- •Fill in the building's basic information (name, address, etc.)
- •Add building characteristics (style, era, neighborhood, uses)
- •Write narrative descriptions (overview, physical description, social history)
- •Upload images of the building (optional but highly recommended)
- •Submit your entry to add it to the archive
Note: All new entries you create will be automatically associated with your account, allowing you to edit them later.
Go to Create Page →Manage Your Entries
The Dashboard is your personal workspace where you can view and manage all the building entries you've created.
- •Access your Dashboard from the header menu (visible when logged in)
- •View all buildings you've created in one place
- •Click on any building card to view its full details
- •Edit your entries by visiting the building detail page and clicking "Edit Building"
Important: Building entries created before 2026 were not automatically associated with user accounts. If you created entries before this date, they may not appear in your dashboard. However, you can still view and edit them if you have been granted explicit edit access by an administrator. If you have any questions or would like to request edit access for your entries, please contact us at yump@yale.edu with your username and the entries you would like to edit.
Explore the Archive
Discover featured buildings and explore the archive through our interactive map and daily highlights.
- •Building of the Day: Visit the "Building of the Day" page to see a featured building that changes daily. This is a great way to discover interesting buildings in New Haven and get inspiration for your own contributions.
- •Interactive Map: Browse all buildings in the archive using our interactive map on the home page. Click on any building marker to see its details.
- •Search and Filter: Use the building cards sidebar to search and filter buildings by name, address, or other characteristics.
Editing Permissions
Understanding who can edit building entries:
- •You can edit any building entry that you created (visible in your Dashboard)
- •You can edit entries where you have been granted explicit edit access by an administrator
- •The "Edit Building" button will only appear on building pages where you have edit permissions
Need Help?
If you have questions about contributing to the archive or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Contact us at yump@yale.edu