See the World of the Early American Republic Through the Work of Women Mapmakers

Starting in the 1830s, more and more women became part of a quickly growing group who were intimately involved in mapping the natural landscapes, built environments, and geology of the new American Republic. Working as illustrators, cartographers, and colorists, as well as map sellers, engravers, publishers, and globe makers, their work was often marketed as straightforward educational material. But their work profoundly shaped American science, culture, and politics, from views of the country’s natural resources to new ideas about the age and structural makeup of the earth. This digital essay by Allison Fulton was supported by the the Leventhal Center’s Small Grants for Early Career Digital Publications program.

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In Person: A History of Boston · Wednesday, May 29 6 PM ET

Join author Daniel Dain and photographer Peter Vanderwarker as they talk about their new book, A History of Boston. Dain and Vanderwarker will act as your tour guide through the history of the city and discuss what lessons can be learned for the challenges of a modern urban area today. This event is hosted by the Boston Public Library Adult Programs and co-sponsored by the Leventhal Center.

Register for the event → 

Virtual: Dr. Alexandra Montgomery on the 1778 Hutchins Map · Friday, June 7, 12 PM ET

Join Dr. Alexandra Montgomery from the Washington Library at Mount Vernon for a virtual lunch lecture to learn more about George Washington’s relationship to the American West. The talk will focus on one of the maps Washington owned, John Montrésor’s 1775 A Plan of the City of New-York, which was surveyed and drafted during the Stamp Act Riots and published at the beginning of the American Revolution. This event is part of the American Revolutionary Geographies Online (ARGO) project.

Register for the event → 

Civic Data Literacy for Libraries: Still Time to Apply!

The Leventhal Center has partnered with Civic Switchboard to host a two-day workshop (June 27–28) at the Boston Public Library on understanding “civic data,” or data that describes community life and the decision-making and policies that affect people and places. Civic data can include not only data produced by governmental organizations, but also non-profits, civic institutions (like libraries!), and other community-based organizations.

Led by members of the Civic Switchboard team with support from LMEC staff, this workshop will bring together 20 library workers who use civic data or who are interested in developing new civic data roles and projects at their institutions. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the Institute is full. Please direct questions to LMEC’s Ian Spangler.

Apply here → 

Father’s Day Map Sale!

Father’s Day is on the way and the Leventhal Center has just the right gift for Dad from our gift store! Until June 16, use the code DADS-LOVE-MAPS (must include dashes) to get 25% off your order from the LMEC gift store. Whether you’re looking for an amusing old map of Boston, a beautiful view of Cape Cod, or a striking Prussian blue map from our current exhibition, our high quality prints are the perfect way to celebrate the map lover in your life. Get Dad a gift he’ll cherish and help support the LMEC along the way.

Visit the gift store →