Sorry this is such a big and loose question. I love history. All sorts of times and all sorts of places. Unfortunately, in my experience history is so focused on the big events and agents, that many histories start to lose connection to their time and place in my mind. One way I try to keep it grounded is to visualize these events in a basic context of day to day life. This is especially useful when reading about class issues, economic shifts, and the impact of some new technology.
Sadly the best tools I have for creating those images are incredibly unreliable: Visual media (historical movies, documentaries, TV) and my own guess work. What are the best resources and methods for me to develop that everyday context for the big events I'm reading about?
Have you tried looking into books/academic articles with a social history focus on your era(s) of interest? For example, the book I'm writing is set in 1882 so I have books on "Victorian America,' 'How to Be a Victorian' and 'Before Harlem' currently sitting on my desk to continue to build a better understanding of what life was really life back then and for different communities.
I'd also look into primary sources, if it's possible. Letters, newspapers, diaries, etc.