Maps in the Field is a public history initiative that brings site-specific stories and geographic collections into public places throughout Greater Boston. Building from the Leventhal Center's Atlascope tool, the project features custom signage that invites people to dive into place-based history. Each unique sign interprets the history of its site as seen through the historic map layers in Atlascope.
A Maps in the Field sign in the window of Brookline Booksmith
Maps in the Field connects everyday pedestrians, passersby, and patrons to the history of their neighborhoods and favorite places. Businesses and institutions that host signs give visitors a chance to engage with their location's past through an attractive and eye-catching display—and become part of a unique cultural project unfolding across the city.
Every Maps in the Field sign includes a view of the location in Atlascope, a story about the site's past development and present geography, and a QR code that invites further exploration. Each sign is low-impact and designed to fit within the space available at each host location, and can be displayed temporarily or semi-permanently.
We're proud to announce that the following institutions now host Maps in the Field signs—we encourage you to visit each site in person!
Aeronaut Brewery
Berklee College of Music
Bow Market (two signs)
Brattle Book Shop (two signs)
Brookline Booksmith
Brighton Branch Library
Charlestown Branch Library
Copley Square Farmer's Market
Roslindale Branch Library
…and many more are on the way!
Host a Maps in the Field sign
Interested in become a Maps in the Field site? We'll visit your business or institution in person, determine the best size and format for the sign, research and interpret your site's history, compose the sign text, and print and deliver the finished sign — all at no cost to you.