If maps are your passion, Mystic Seaport has an exhibit opening May 2 in the Museum’s Mallory Building that will blow you away!
Mapping the Pacific Coast: Coronado to Lewis and Clark, The Quivira Collection may be a mouthful to say, but this awesome private collection, on loan to the Museum, gives visitors plenty to digest!
Two larger than life maps dominate the room, while more than 30 historic maps dating from 1544 to 1802 comprise the exhibition. Many of them are works of art in themselves, drawn meticulously and in bright colors by cartographers of the era. These mapmakers performed their craft in their respective countries, so in the poetic words of exhibit researcher Elysa Engelman, “The room whispers in different languages.” Complementing the maps are illustrations, books and display items linked to this period in maritime navigation history.
Available audio players give visitors a virtual pick and choose tour of the exhibit, augmenting the written signage. It’s a chronological journey that includes interesting tidbits reflective of thinking and knowledge of those times. Example: for more than 100 years, cartographers assumed that California was an island!
Installation of "Mapping the Pacific Coast"
Now here’s the icing on the cake, especially geared to families with children. Connected to the map exhibit is Map Spot, a fun and educational experience with hands-on activities that just might inspire a youngster or adult to become a serious cartographer. Map Spot can also help Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts complete badge requirements.
Both Map Spot and Mapping the Pacific Coast exhibit are included in Museum admission. For more information, visit www.mysticseaport.org/mappingthepacific. Don’t miss this one!
