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Navigating Research at the Map Division: Getting Started at the New York Public Library: Resources for Educators

Learn methods and strategies, to search for maps at NYPL's Lionel Pincus and Princess Firyal Map Division.

Need help creating a lesson with maps?

From NYPL's Center for Research in the Humanities, Doc Chat pairs an NYPL curator or specialist and a scholar to discuss evocative digitized items from the Library's collections and brainstorm innovative ways of teaching with them. 

Check out upcoming episodes on NYPL's calendar,  and make sure you don't miss an episode by signing up for NYPL's Research newsletter, which will include links to register. A video of each episode will be posted on the Doc Chat Channel of NYPL's blog shortly after the program. 

Click the following tabs to see Doc Chats that have been created, with maps specifically in mind!

Print of Atlantic Dock, Brooklyn, N.Y., 1851; NYPL Digital Collections, Image ID: 800700.

William Wade, Atlantic Dock, Brooklyn, N.Y., 1851; NYPL Digital Collections, Image ID: 800700.

Learn more about the primary sources and recommended readings and resources that were used for this episode, by reading this blog post.

Learn more about the primary sources and recommended readings and resources that were used for this episode, by reading this blog post.

Learn more about the primary sources and recommended readings and resources that were used for this episode, by reading this blog post.

Learn more about the primary sources and recommended readings and resources that were used for this episode, by reading this blog post.

 

Learn more about the primary sources and recommended readings and resources that were used for this episode, by reading this blog post.

Interactive Maps

Interactive maps are a great way to introduce students to maps! By allowing students to explore them, they can learn the many different ways of how to create maps and analyze them for their own research. Check out a few recommendations, in the list below!

National Geographic's MapMaker

  • Use this application to create your own maps, by adding different layers of data to your map template. Mix different layers of data, and then analyze your resulting map!

Urban Archive

  • Use this application to learn more about New York City, by exploring digitized photos that have been uploaded by institutions across the 5 boroughs! If you are adventurous, check out their "Lists and Stories" to take a virtual walking tour around the neighborhood.

Sanborn Maps Navigator

  • Use this application to compare Sanborn Insurance Maps and local newspapers! Analyze their connections, and see how maps can give us a deeper understanding of the headlines of the day. 

Museum of the City of New York: The Greatest Grid

  • Want to learn more about how the grid was formed in New York City? Check out this application from the Museum of the City of New York! This site combines interactive maps with learning resources, to provide deeper understandings of how the grid came to be, and how it affects communities both past and present.

Recommended Reads from the Map Division

In our local branches, there is a wide range of educational materials that students can use to enhance their understanding of maps and geography. Click the following tabs, to see some recommended reads that you can check out!

 

An African American family; Reading books, 1922 Digital Collections ID #1229126

An African American family; Reading books, 1922 Digital Collections ID #1229126

Center for Educators & Schools

Center for Educators & Schools 

To learn additional information on how educators can utilize resources and programs from New York Public Library, check out the Center for Educators & Schools. Here, you can find: 

Contact the center at educators@nypl.org