April 20, 2026
Geo. H. Walker & Co., Boston Harbor (1897)
Declarations Opening Weekend
The opening weekend of our newest exhibition, Declarations: Printing a New Nation, brought our community together to consider the long history of breaking political news. You too can see eight rare printings of the Declaration of Independence displayed together for the first time at our free gallery in the Central Library in Copley Square—come give us a visit!
Virtual: Katherine McDonough on AI and Map Collections · May 18, 2:00 pm ET
Join Dr. Katherine McDonough for a conversation about how machine vision technology can change the way we find and understand maps, co-hosted by BPL Digital Services and the Leventhal Map & Education Center. With examples from collections in the US and the UK, she will walk through how collaborations between librarians, historians, and AI researchers are reshaping what we can do with maps once they are digitized. You can learn more about her work here.
In-Person: Andy Woodruff's "Boston in 50 Maps" Book Launch · May 20, 5:00 pm ET
Join us to celebrate the launch of Andy Woodruff's new book, Boston in 50 Maps! Andy will walk us through some of the book's most lively maps, which cover topics ranging from The Great Molasses Flood to Viking Leif Erikson’s supposed (and dubious) route to the area. This event is free, though registration is required. Ticketed guests will receive one free drink ticket.
Small Grants Applications are Due May 18
Are you working on a scholarly project that would come alive for the public through an interactive digital publication? The Leventhal Center's Small Grants for Early Career Digital Publications supports scholars through the process of producing a digital publication for general audiences. Notably, recent newsletter feature Prelude to a Revolution, Part III was supported by a Small Grant award. The grant includes a stipend to support research and development time, as well as institutional research and technical support from LMEC staff. Apply by Monday, May 18, 2026 at 5:00 pm ET to be considered!
Newsletter Trivia: Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon is not just beloved and well-attended (with crowds growing to 500,000 along the route), but also the oldest annual marathon in the world. What year was it first established?
1873
1889
1897
1901
As a bonus question, what year were women officially allowed to run the marathon?
The answer to last newsletter’s question about the where the Declaration of Independence was first proclaimed in Boston is the Old State House, by Col. Thomas Craft. Congratulations to our last winner, Nancy!
Correct answers will be included in a random drawing and the winner will receive the next three Map of the Month club postcards for free. In order to enter, make sure you follow us on Bluesky, Instagram or Facebook and direct message or email us the answer to the question. We will accept answers until April 27 at 8:00 am ET.
Just off the map
Updates from our partners, colleagues, and friends
How well do you know the layout of major cities in the Netherlands? Find out in Bert Spaan's new game, based on his updated, interactive, high-resolution map of all the buildings in the country.
If you've been enjoying the cherry blossoms this spring, we have a map for you! Designer Dylan Moriarty has recently produced an artistic map of cherry blossom trees around D.C.
Tufts GIS Expo Event: On May 6 Tufts University with showcase 200+ student projects from 28 GIS courses. The event is free, and food will be provided.
The Leventhal Map & Education Center is an independent nonprofit. We rely on the contributions of donors like you to support our mission of preserving the past and advancing the future of maps and geography.
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