Delve Into the History of the Sanborn Map Company With Green-Wood Cemetery
Learn more about the history behind the detailed maps with a new virtual program from Green-Wood Cemetery.
A plate from an 1888 Sanborn map showing 24th Street and 5th Avenue. Map via New York Public Library
Intended as documentation for the fire insurance industry, the maps produced by the Sanborn Map Company have become essential tools in researching and documenting the history of New York City. Learn more about the history behind the maps with a new virtual program from Green-Wood Cemetery.
Founded by Daniel Sanborn, who is buried in the historic cemetery, the company ultimately produced more than 700,000 detailed maps covering cities and towns in the U.S. as well as Canada, Mexico and Cuba. Join Jeff Richman, Green-wood’s historian, and Ian Fowler, curator and geospatial librarian for the Lionel Pincus and Princess Firyal Map Division at the New York Public Library, for a discussion and tips on exploring the maps online.
‘Mapping the Past: The Sanborn Maps’ takes place on Wednesday, April 27 from 6 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $9 for the general public and $4 for members. For more information and to purchase a ticket, visit the event page online.
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