Lesson 2: Historical Maps

Students utilize historical maps to infer and interpret information from their community.

(Adapted from Historical Records in the Classroom)

Subjects: Social Studies

Grade Levels: 4 - 12

Time Frame: 2-3 class periods

Materials Needed:

· Historical and current map of your locality, transit/street maps
· Historical Maps worksheet
· Camera, film and overhead transparencies

Learning Objectives: Students will:

Compare and contrast information on historical and current maps.
Trace and map the growth of their community.
Create a photographic display showing the development of their community during the time period represented by the two maps.

Procedure:

Divide students into groups and ask students to select one off the following activities depending on their area of interest:

Follow the route of a city bus by locating the properties of those named on the historical map. Highlight these on a copy of the map. From the sites listed on the transit map, describe what the community might have been like over 100 years ago.
Choose a section of the historical street map to enlarge on an overhead projector. On a transparency identify the existing buildings by using a red marker. Overlay another transparency and add the buildings in blue marker that
currently exist in the same area. Illustrate the changes by demonstrating the results to the class.
Take a photo expedition into the community to photograph historical and modern structures. Label each photo and attach it to the appropriate location on the historical transit/street map and exhibit to the class.

HISTORICAL MAPS

Directions:

Answer the following questions by analyzing the historical map of your community and comparing it to a modern day map.

ABOUT THE HISTORICAL MAP

In what year was this map drawn?
Locate and identify the scale on the map.
What kind of information do you find on the old map?
Do you recognize any names on the map? Which ones? Why?

ABOUT THE MODERN MAP

In what year was this map drawn?
Locate and identify the scale on the modern map.
What kind of information do you find on the modern map?

COMPARING THE MAPS

How are the historical and modern maps alike?
How are they different?
What have you discovered about your community by comparing the two maps?

Adapted Source: Historical Records in the Classroom

How To Interpret a Map

Title of Map:

Date Created:

Mapmaker:

Collection of:

Place shown on Map:

Which of the following map elements can you find on the map?

Title, legend, compass, author (mapmaker), scale, date

   2. What does the map tell you about the place     and time it was created?

   3. What is the purpose of this map?

   4. Compare your map to a current map of the same area. Record information and characteristics that the two have in common and information unique to each below.

Source Map

On Both Maps

Current Map

What is the most important historical information this source provides? Be sure to cite specific evidence from the source.

Created by the Maryland Historical Society