Maps

Like photography, maps have a strong visual impact and are usually seen as authentic descriptions of places. Unfortunately, mapmakers are fallible and may have hidden agendas in portraying features on the ground. More than one war has been fought over erroneous information on maps. Maps are distinct from many other types of special collections because they were created not only as documentary sources but also as reference material to be regularly consulted. Archives often find the storage of maps a challenge since many require large and expensive mapcases.

Map of Virginia and Maryland, by Geographer H. Moll, showing English plantations and Indian plantations and houses, c. 1732.

Maryland Collection, Special Collections, University of Maryland Libraries.

Building Inventory Plan, Campus Development, Department of the Physical Plant, University of Maryland, College Park, 1972.

Special Collections, University of Maryland Libraries.