Relief Map Restoration Project
The Map Restoration Project at Science Hall needs your support.
The Department of Geography asks for your support of the Science Hall Map Restoration Project by contributing $1000 to cover the restoration expenses for one plaster relief map.
Donors can choose to contribute $500 for shared support of a single map, or can choose to support several maps. Finished maps will be reinstalled with a plaque honoring the donor.
Exhibit Planned
In addition to the restoration, the Robinson Map Library will place one map on permanent exhibit. The exhibit will feature more detailed historical cartographic information with special lighting. To accompany the permanent exhibit, a full-color map tour guide for all the relief maps in Science Hall will be published for walking tours.
All donors may also contribute to this permanent exhibit and brochure fund (see M-90 and M-91).
About the Maps
Of the 18 maps, six were created by UW geologists between 1909 and 1939. The oldest plaster relief map is the 1894 model of the Chattanooga District by Edwin E. Howell, a geologist who took part in USGS Wheeler Surveys west of the 100th meridian in 1872-1873. Science Hall has four plaster relief maps created by Howell alone and several others that list him as preparator.
"These maps are irreplaceable, " said Onno Brouwer, Director of the Cartography Lab. He noted that the maps have been a cultural touchstone for generations of Science Hall students and faculty and are a major part of the legacy and architecture of Science Hall.
More details on this history are available in MadGeogNews Issue 65.
How to Donate
Donate online at the UW Foundation website. After the red text in the detail box, add in the Map Number you wish to support.
You may also mail in your donation (with notation for Dept of Geography) to:
- M-51 detailUW Foundation
- US Bank Lockbox
- PO Box 78808
- Milwaukee, WI 53278-0807