Program:  December 18, 2001   Maps

Linda Newman is GeoScience Map Librarian of the Ansari Map Library that is located in the DeLaMare Library at the University of Nevada, Reno.  Subject of her lecture was “Maps at the DeLaMare Library.”

Ms. Newman began her lecture by emphasizing the value of asking “Who, Where, When, and What,” when using maps for genealogical research.  She said, “maps can provide clues to where our ancestors may have lived and where to look for written records about them.”  She explained what could be seen on maps–such as place names, names of property owners, and cemeteries.  She provided an in-depth talk about the different types of maps and scales of maps (such as the 15-minute series of topographic maps and the 7 ½-minute series of topographic maps that are the most detailed).  Throughout her lecture, she shared printed handouts, numerous published books about maps and indexes of maps; and, she circulated a variety of old, precious maps of Reno, the area and state.  On the handouts she provided dozens of invaluable websites, where researchers can obtain more information about the various types of maps.

Ms. Newman’s excellent lecture about maps provided invaluable information to genealogical researchers about what type of data might be obtained from the various types of maps available at the Mary B. Ansari Map Library, which has the largest map collection in Nevada–with more than 136,000 maps.  She invited everyone to visit the Map Library on Monday through Friday, from 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.  She said she and her assistants would be happy to assist with any map research.  She shared a handout about the Map Library, which provided an excellent overview of the Map Library; its holdings; arrangement of reference material, maps, and atlases; circulation policy; and map ordering information.

She also told about other local sources having maps that could be useful to genealogical researchers.  Those include: Special Collections Department, Library, UNR, and the Nevada State Genealogy Society.  In addition, maps can be found in Nevada state offices, local museums and libraries, and at UNLV.