Finding Your Way Home: Using Maps in Genealogical Research

1. Finding Your Way Home: Using Maps in Genealogical Research Introduce ourselves; Talk about how the handout is organized: First page is general info. about our map library; hours, circulation, etc. Second page (back of first page) highlights the paper resources we have here in the map library. Third page lists selected map web sites, first are gazetteers, then online maps. Some of the web sites mentioned on the handout we do not mention in our talk. Last page lists map dealers online where you might be able to purchase maps for your genealogical research. Introduce ourselves; Talk about how the handout is organized: First page is general info. about our map library; hours, circulation, etc. Second page (back of first page) highlights the paper resources we have here in the map library. Third page lists selected map web sites, first are gazetteers, then online maps. Some of the web sites mentioned on the handout we do not mention in our talk. Last page lists map dealers online where you might be able to purchase maps for your genealogical research.

2. What maps can show you: Places: Towns, either still occupied OR no longer in existence Previous names of a place Regions, such as provinces, parishes, colloquial names of areas Properties Farms, businesses, estates The nearest county seat or information source for records I�m going to first talk about how maps can be helpful in genealogical research. What can maps show you?I�m going to first talk about how maps can be helpful in genealogical research. What can maps show you?

3. What maps can show you: Boundaries � Counties, states, countries, properties, etc. Boundaries may be different today than when your family member lived there. Maps can be used to figure out how boundaries have changed over time.

4. What maps can show you: Landmarks � Mountains, forests, creeks, schools, cemeteries, geologic features These may have been noted in a story, a diary, a letter. They may help pinpoint a home or property even if it isn�t marked on a map. The landmark may carry a family name

5. What maps can show you: Transportation routes � Roads, rivers, railroads, trails, exploration routes These may have also been mentioned in references. They can help you trace a migration course to a destination. Detailed maps showing transportation routes are sometimes hard to find.Detailed maps showing transportation routes are sometimes hard to find.

6. What maps can show you: Proximities � The closest place to the place you�re searching This may be as good a reference point as you can find

7. What maps can show you: Beauty and pleasure! � The satisfaction of seeing a place on a map, of visualizing the place of your ancestors in its context.

8. Types of maps useful for genealogists: Topographic � Shows �the lay of the land� Relief (elevation) features Surface features of all kinds Often very detailed (for instance the USGS 1:24,000 scale series) Most countries have done a detailed topographic survey Show a sample of a topo map; pass around topo features legend Topos show things like rr lines, cemeteries, churches, etc.Show a sample of a topo map; pass around topo features legend Topos show things like rr lines, cemeteries, churches, etc.

9. Types of maps useful for genealogists: Planimetric - Show surface features WITHOUT relief Usually focuses on roads, towns, property boundaries Many maps of cities, counties, properties are made this way Railroad � Show towns and villages along railroad routes Sometimes identify boundaries of individual land tracts Without relief means they do not show elevation. Some planimetric maps may have been produced by private companies, sometimes by realty companies so they are often useful when looking for property lines. For local planimetric maps, check the Carnegie Library in Boulder or DPL. Show railroad mapWithout relief means they do not show elevation. Some planimetric maps may have been produced by private companies, sometimes by realty companies so they are often useful when looking for property lines. For local planimetric maps, check the Carnegie Library in Boulder or DPL. Show railroad map

10. Types of maps useful for genealogists: City and county maps � Sometimes show property boundaries, homes Sometimes show property owner names or business names County highway maps � Produced by states� highway or transportation departments Useful for seeing details such as cemeteries, rural churches, and communities Show Boulder County 1940s property map Show highway mapShow Boulder County 1940s property map Show highway map

11. Types of maps useful for genealogists: Maps that show township names: many USGS older topographic maps, and other types of maps, show township names can be used to locate vital records of ancestors County atlases: 19th century publications contain land holdings, residences, post offices, churches, businesses County atlases: we don�t have any of Boulder in our library. But, there are some in Denver Public, Carnegie (Boulder); other atlases can be found in local libraries, some are being put online. Library of Congress has a huge collection, some of which can be seen on their American memory website.County atlases: we don�t have any of Boulder in our library. But, there are some in Denver Public, Carnegie (Boulder); other atlases can be found in local libraries, some are being put online. Library of Congress has a huge collection, some of which can be seen on their American memory website.

12. Types of maps useful for genealogists: Plats � Maps that show essential data pertaining to the boundaries of a tract of land Based on survey data BLM Land Patents Database http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/ Hold up a plat map; pass out copy of title (Do Wright or Raynes) Tell them we have a small collection of CO plats here that are from 1880-1940s, but our collection is not complete. The BLM in Lakewood, CO has all CO plats on fiche. You can search the BLMs Land Patent Database (website is listed on our handout under Web resources) for land patents/land titles by family name. You can see the boundaries of the land owned by a family and sometimes there�s even a scanned image of the actual title. You can order copies from the BLM fairly inexpensively ($2)Hold up a plat map; pass out copy of title (Do Wright or Raynes) Tell them we have a small collection of CO plats here that are from 1880-1940s, but our collection is not complete. The BLM in Lakewood, CO has all CO plats on fiche. You can search the BLMs Land Patent Database (website is listed on our handout under Web resources) for land patents/land titles by family name. You can see the boundaries of the land owned by a family and sometimes there�s even a scanned image of the actual title. You can order copies from the BLM fairly inexpensively ($2)

13. Types of maps useful for genealogists: Sanborn maps � Fire Insurance maps made by the Sanborn company Show cities/towns at a building-by-building level Sometimes include owner names on land parcels (not often) Often includes business names on buildings Only show within official city limits More information at: http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/map/sanborn.htm Hold up a sample, pass around our color copy; Sanborns go back to the 1880s and we think we have all of Colorado. Need to make an appointment to use these and there�s no copying of them, but you can take a pic w/a camera. Hold up a sample, pass around our color copy; Sanborns go back to the 1880s and we think we have all of Colorado. Need to make an appointment to use these and there�s no copying of them, but you can take a pic w/a camera.

14. How do you find places on maps? Gazetteers (place name lists) � U.S. Board of Geographic Names (foreign countries) Many choices from commercial publishers (such as Columbia Gazetteer, Omni Gazetteer) Small press specialty publications (such as Place Names of Colorado) Government publications (states, countries, provinces�) Web sites Will show specific paper gazetteers and online gaz later, tell them what a gaz is.Will show specific paper gazetteers and online gaz later, tell them what a gaz is.

15. How do you find places on maps? Latitude/longitude coordinates � Gazetteers will often list geographic coordinates of a place Most maps will include a latitude/longitude reference grid Example: This Map Library is at (approximately): 40� 0' 29" N, 105� 15' 55" W Point this out on a map; on the topo we pulled to show earlierPoint this out on a map; on the topo we pulled to show earlier

16. How do you find places on maps? Township/range locations � Grid system for identifying parcels of land Example: This Map Library is in: T1N, R70W, Section 31, SE 1/4 Township and Range might be the system used to locate property in family recordsTownship and Range might be the system used to locate property in family records

17. How do you find places on maps? Descriptions of areas � If a place is not listed in a gazetteer, you may have to find the place by looking for other known geographic features on a map

18. How do you find places on maps? Time and Patience � Sometimes, you may have to sit down with a map and look it over from top to bottom to find a place!

19. Federal Depository Library(The University of Colorado Libraries are one!) USGS (United States Geological Survey) NGA (National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency) NIMA (National Imagery and Mapping Agency) AMS (Army Map Service) DMA (Defense Mapping Agency) USFS (United States Forest Service) BLM (Bureau of Land Management) NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) NPS (National Park Service) Talk about how we get our maps, don�t read all of these agencies, just leave slide up. Mention that we also purchase maps from foreign governments and from private publishers.Talk about how we get our maps, don�t read all of these agencies, just leave slide up. Mention that we also purchase maps from foreign governments and from private publishers.

20. Chinook on-line catalog(You may search for maps here) http://libraries.colorado.edu/ Many maps still uncataloged (so please, ask us for help finding maps) Maps published after 1950 circulate for two weeks So, here we show people how to do a keyword search when looking for maps � we�ll do one quick on to show you the results. Show sample keyword search (Ireland and histor* and maps then Dublin and histor* and maps). Want to hold up G5784.D8 1797 .F3 1975�. Older maps that do not circulate we usually will make arrangements w/you to take them for a few hours to have copied at Kinko�s or other copy center.So, here we show people how to do a keyword search when looking for maps � we�ll do one quick on to show you the results. Show sample keyword search (Ireland and histor* and maps then Dublin and histor* and maps). Want to hold up G5784.D8 1797 .F3 1975�. Older maps that do not circulate we usually will make arrangements w/you to take them for a few hours to have copied at Kinko�s or other copy center.

21. Paper map collection �Highlights for genealogists: Historic: Historic urban plans/bird�s eye views of many major U.S. and world cities Reproductions of 18th and 19th c. country maps AMS series are generally dated 1930s-1960s Misc. uncataloged maps Jonathan Sheppard � 19th century county maps of Ireland and England Urban plans, Jonathan Sheppards, Show examples from AMS sets; Mention that the U.S. Army Mapping Service tended to map areas that they had an interest in in WWII. AMS sets can be at a scale of 1:50:000 or greater. Talk about how we also have drawers of misc. uncataloged maps for regions and it�s always useful to browse thru them, for some places we might have city plans � show map of a city plan. Urban plans, Jonathan Sheppards, Show examples from AMS sets; Mention that the U.S. Army Mapping Service tended to map areas that they had an interest in in WWII. AMS sets can be at a scale of 1:50:000 or greater. Talk about how we also have drawers of misc. uncataloged maps for regions and it�s always useful to browse thru them, for some places we might have city plans � show map of a city plan.

22. Paper map collection �Highlights for genealogists: Current topos of all of the United States: 1:24,000, 1:100,000 and 1:250,000 National Geographic Maps Current road maps � both national and international coverage Current topographic coverage for some countries like England, Ireland, Canada and Mexico National Geographic maps aren�t very detailed, but are good for getting a feel of regions. We have current ones and older ones (sometimes back to the 1930s, so sometimes these will show country border changes) Show example. Current road maps both US and international coverage, if you want to take a trip to study where your ancestors are from. Some of just a whole country, some of major cities. Show example. National Geographic maps aren�t very detailed, but are good for getting a feel of regions. We have current ones and older ones (sometimes back to the 1930s, so sometimes these will show country border changes) Show example. Current road maps both US and international coverage, if you want to take a trip to study where your ancestors are from. Some of just a whole country, some of major cities. Show example.

23. Paper map collection �Highlights for genealogists: Atlases (both general and specific) World atlases to help orient, locate a specific place Historical atlases of specific regions or countries Gazetteers Baedeker�s Travel Guides Coverage from the later 1800s to early 1900s All books and atlases in the map library do not circulate, but patrons can photocopy from them and we�ll sometimes allow certain ones to go out for a few hours in order to make color copies. Atlases � we have general world atlases, if you�re trying to locate a certain place (keep in mind, these won�t show cities that are no longer in existence). We also have atlases that are more specific, sometimes covering countries or regions (show examples of the ones we�ve pulled for them.) Norlin Library (the main library here) also has some atlases. You can find atlases by doing a keyword search in Chinook Gazetteers � remind them that it�s a list of placenames; Show a PlaceName one of Colorado. Remind them that we�ll show them a really neat online Gazetteer for Eastern European placenames in a few minutes. Baedeker�s (private company who published these)� we have these travel guides that cover areas of Europe including Germany, Austria, Poland, France, England, etc. from the late 1800s to early 1900s. They often have very detailed city maps folded inside. (show example).All books and atlases in the map library do not circulate, but patrons can photocopy from them and we�ll sometimes allow certain ones to go out for a few hours in order to make color copies. Atlases � we have general world atlases, if you�re trying to locate a certain place (keep in mind, these won�t show cities that are no longer in existence). We also have atlases that are more specific, sometimes covering countries or regions (show examples of the ones we�ve pulled for them.) Norlin Library (the main library here) also has some atlases. You can find atlases by doing a keyword search in Chinook Gazetteers � remind them that it�s a list of placenames; Show a PlaceName one of Colorado. Remind them that we�ll show them a really neat online Gazetteer for Eastern European placenames in a few minutes. Baedeker�s (private company who published these)� we have these travel guides that cover areas of Europe including Germany, Austria, Poland, France, England, etc. from the late 1800s to early 1900s. They often have very detailed city maps folded inside. (show example).

24. Paper map collection �Highlights for genealogists: Historic Colorado: Plats of townships (General Land Office surveys, 1890s-1930s) Old topographic maps and mining maps (1880s-1940s) Sanborn maps (1870s-1960s) Miscellaneous reproductions of state maps Mention that this is our library�s strength � it might be useful to contact a library in your region of interest for possible map sources. Hold up plat again, hold up examples of an old CO topo and an old CO mining map � mention that these will show mines and road to mines if ancestors worked in the mines, this is useful. Hold up Sanborn again, hold up a repro of state map � talk about how we don�t have a really good collection of these, but we did just acquire some maps from the Archives department and we may very well have more of these in there � they can make an appointment if they�re interested in searching thru those drawers. Also, DPL probably has better state reproductions.Mention that this is our library�s strength � it might be useful to contact a library in your region of interest for possible map sources. Hold up plat again, hold up examples of an old CO topo and an old CO mining map � mention that these will show mines and road to mines if ancestors worked in the mines, this is useful. Hold up Sanborn again, hold up a repro of state map � talk about how we don�t have a really good collection of these, but we did just acquire some maps from the Archives department and we may very well have more of these in there � they can make an appointment if they�re interested in searching thru those drawers. Also, DPL probably has better state reproductions.

25. Digital data Historic maps on CD Coverage : U.S. and Canada before 1800 Europe 1856-1920 North America railroads 1870-1917 British Isles 1856-1920 Contains .gif and .bmp image files that can be used in various image programs CD of Historical Maps of France From the 16th and 17th Centuries Current topographic coverage for Canada and Australia This is just one more place to look to possibly find city or country maps of your area of interest. France CD not yet cataloged, but just ask us for it, if you�d like to use it. If you�re visiting area of interest, current topographic maps might be useful � we have some topo coverage digitally. This is just one more place to look to possibly find city or country maps of your area of interest. France CD not yet cataloged, but just ask us for it, if you�d like to use it. If you�re visiting area of interest, current topographic maps might be useful � we have some topo coverage digitally.

26. Web Resources Map Library web page: http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/map/index.htm Local resources - information and links to: Local (Front Range) libraries with map collections Local map vendors Web resources 200+ links to web sites with on-line maps, geographic information, and digital data sources Take them to each of these links, point out other local libraries and local map vendors (we will talk more about vendors at the end of the presentation). Take them to Web resources � show them the Genealogy link and the Gaz link). Tell them this is not an all inclusive list of map resources on the web � it�s just some that Map Library has chosen and the categories were created for ease in browsing. Show them that there�s a few sentences to describe each link. Take them to each of these links, point out other local libraries and local map vendors (we will talk more about vendors at the end of the presentation). Take them to Web resources � show them the Genealogy link and the Gaz link). Tell them this is not an all inclusive list of map resources on the web � it�s just some that Map Library has chosen and the categories were created for ease in browsing. Show them that there�s a few sentences to describe each link.

27. Gazetteers ShtetlSeeker: http://www.jewishgen.org/shtetlseeker/ GeoNet � world place names: http://164.214.2.59/gns/html/index.html GNIS (Geographic Names Information System) � U.S. place names: http://geonames.usgs.gov/ ShtetlSeeker � you can search places that no longer exist and places that have changed name. You will be taken to a MapQuest map (current day of where the town/place is located). Can search by precise spelling or by soundex. (Friedensfeld) GeoNet is world place names � do sample search (ask audience for one); takes from the US Board of Geographic Names, places not in the US, places that you should be able to find on AMS maps. Gives you the Map sheet number for a world AMS set at 1:250,000, we can help you locate that map if we have it. Do you want us to show you a sample search? If you need help using this, call us/come in for help. GNIS for US places, should be everything you can find on a USGS topo map. (Sample search � Loveland) ShtetlSeeker � you can search places that no longer exist and places that have changed name. You will be taken to a MapQuest map (current day of where the town/place is located). Can search by precise spelling or by soundex. (Friedensfeld) GeoNet is world place names � do sample search (ask audience for one); takes from the US Board of Geographic Names, places not in the US, places that you should be able to find on AMS maps. Gives you the Map sheet number for a world AMS set at 1:250,000, we can help you locate that map if we have it. Do you want us to show you a sample search? If you need help using this, call us/come in for help. GNIS for US places, should be everything you can find on a USGS topo map. (Sample search � Loveland)

28. Current maps online Terraserver www.terraserver-usa.com Hosts USGS digitized aerial photographs and digitized topographic maps of the U.S. It�s easy to back and forth between a photo and a map of the same area. Topozone: http://www.topozone.com/ USGS topographic maps of the U.S. at various scales a commercial site that offers value-added products if you subscribe Maptech: http://www.maptech.com/onlinemaps Free online resource for previewing topographic maps, nautical charts, coastal aerial photos and aeronautical charts. Also offers scanned older USGS topographic maps of some states: All three of these sites have current US topographic maps available for you to view online. Show TerraServer � show a search in this (audience can choose), show how you can zoom, get air photos, and sometimes urban area views. Don�t show other two, just talk about what makes them unique (Topozone � have to pay for the aerial photos, but you can specify scale for your map instead of just zooming in and out. Maptech search pulls up a nice, comprehensive list of placenames). Also, show older USGS topos that are scanned.All three of these sites have current US topographic maps available for you to view online. Show TerraServer � show a search in this (audience can choose), show how you can zoom, get air photos, and sometimes urban area views. Don�t show other two, just talk about what makes them unique (Topozone � have to pay for the aerial photos, but you can specify scale for your map instead of just zooming in and out. Maptech search pulls up a nice, comprehensive list of placenames). Also, show older USGS topos that are scanned.

29. Historical maps online FEEFHS Map Room: http://feefhs.org/maps/indexmap.html Perry Casta�eda Library Map Collection: http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/historical/index.html Library of Congress Map Collections: http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/gmdhtml/gmdhome.html David Rumsey Map Collection: http://davidrumsey.com/ FEEFHS (Federation of East European Family History Societies Map Room): The FEEFHS East European Map Room has a 51 map collection from the Comprehensive Atlas and Geography of the World (published by Blackie and Sons in 1882 in Edinburgh, Scotland) cover almost all of central and eastern Europe, including all of the German Empire and the Russian Empire. Mostly scanned maps of 19th century countries. Show example of map, mention that there�s information regarding the source of the map and that you can download, if you want. Perry Castaneda (University of Texas at Austin�s Map Library) � click on Historical maps of Europe, choose Ireland 1808, zoom in on map, mention that it has a lot of names; just suggest that patrons browse these maps. LOC � Cities and Towns, keyword search for Bronx then Brooklyn. Show Brooklyn 1907, show how you zoom in, move red box, enlarge picture area, talk about how you see some neighborhood names and street names, do the same for Bronx 1897 � this one has good street names, especially. Mention that LOC has maps of other countries, but they are mostly general and current. The �good� historic ones are U.S. David Rumsey Map Collection � private map library with over 10,000 maps online; focuses primarily on cartography of the Americas from the 18th and 19th centuries, but also has maps of the World, Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania. Search �Germany� & show map, zoom in, drag map to fill page. Remind to use Insight Browser (first option). David Rumsey uses Luna Insight Browser, the same software that we are using for our digital library. FEEFHS (Federation of East European Family History Societies Map Room): The FEEFHS East European Map Room has a 51 map collection from the Comprehensive Atlas and Geography of the World (published by Blackie and Sons in 1882 in Edinburgh, Scotland) cover almost all of central and eastern Europe, including all of the German Empire and the Russian Empire. Mostly scanned maps of 19th century countries. Show example of map, mention that there�s information regarding the source of the map and that you can download, if you want. Perry Castaneda (University of Texas at Austin�s Map Library) � click on Historical maps of Europe, choose Ireland 1808, zoom in on map, mention that it has a lot of names; just suggest that patrons browse these maps. LOC � Cities and Towns, keyword search for Bronx then Brooklyn. Show Brooklyn 1907, show how you zoom in, move red box, enlarge picture area, talk about how you see some neighborhood names and street names, do the same for Bronx 1897 � this one has good street names, especially. Mention that LOC has maps of other countries, but they are mostly general and current. The �good� historic ones are U.S. David Rumsey Map Collection � private map library with over 10,000 maps online; focuses primarily on cartography of the Americas from the 18th and 19th centuries, but also has maps of the World, Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania. Search �Germany� & show map, zoom in, drag map to fill page. Remind to use Insight Browser (first option). David Rumsey uses Luna Insight Browser, the same software that we are using for our digital library.

30. Historic map vendors online Historic Urban Plans http://www.historicurbanplans.com/ Jonathan Sheppard Books http://www.jonathansheppardbooks.com/ The Gold Bug Store http://www.goldbug.com/ Historical Ink http://www.oldmapsne.com/ Ireland Old Maps www.alangodfreymaps.co.uk/ireland.htm Hold up examples of maps from these vendors as other person clicks on the link; mention that these are all on your handouts. The Gold Bug Store sells reproductions of old European country and city maps; U.S. county boundary changes info.; gazetteers Historical Ink sells reproductions of old maps of New York and New England, including county level maps. All of these links are on the handout we�ve given you. Hold up examples of maps from these vendors as other person clicks on the link; mention that these are all on your handouts. The Gold Bug Store sells reproductions of old European country and city maps; U.S. county boundary changes info.; gazetteers Historical Ink sells reproductions of old maps of New York and New England, including county level maps. All of these links are on the handout we�ve given you.