Cultural Compas

Map Fair

HistoryMiami Museum will host the 27th Annual Miami International Map Fair March.13–15, 2020.

Raul Guerrero
Downtown NEWS

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Over 35 leading map dealers from across the globe and the United States, including some from Florida, will gather to display and retail an unparalleled selection of original antique maps, charts, town plans, and atlases. Thousands of maps from the 16th century to the present day, ranging in price from $25 to over $250,000, will be on display offering something unique for the first-time buyer, as well as seasoned collectors.

Photo, courtesy of HistoryMiami.

The Earliest Map of North America

One of the most significant maps for sale will be the earliest obtainable edition of John Mitchell’s monumental map of North America, widely regarded as the single most important and influential map in American history. First issued in 1755, Mitchell’s map holds a special place in American history as both a visual artifact that shaped American history and a central document in the treaties which defined the boundaries in the northern part of North America for the next 200+ years. It is offered by Barry Lawrence Ruderman Antique Maps for $225,000.

The Mitchell Map, by John Mitchell (1711–1768) was used as a primary map source during the Treaty of Paris for defining the boundaries of the newly independent United States. Photo, Courtesy of the Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division.

“HistoryMiami is proud to host one of the largest and most prestigious events of its kind in the world, highlighting the history and wonder of cartography,” said Jorge Zamanillo, Executive Director of HistoryMiami Museum. “Each year, the Map Fair showcases an impressive array of rare and antique maps that are fascinating examples of history.”

Held annually, the Miami International Map Fair provides buyers with a weekend to browse antique maps, rare books, globes and atlases from around the world, including some from Australia, United Kingdom and Germany, in addition to attending a series of special topical lectures. This is a unique opportunity to meet experts with an unrivaled depth of knowledge and scope of material.

Photo, courtesy of History Miami.

Map Fair Speakers

Saturday, March 14. 11:00 a.m. –Historical and Modern Mapmaking in the BahamasTodd T. Turrell. 3:00 p.m. –Deconstructing Persuasive Cartography- PJ Mode. Saturday, March 14. 2:00 p.m. — Mapping of the Nation in the 19th Century — Ronald E. Grim, Ph.D.

Schedule & Price

Friday, March 13 (collectors and VIP), to Sunday, March 15. Fair hours for the public are Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. at HistoryMiami Museum 101 West Flagler Street in downtown Miami. Discounted Parking with validation is available at the Cultural Center Parking Garage located at 50 NW 2nd Avenue.

Price for full access weekend registration is $75 which includes entry to the VIP private preview and sale on Friday, two VIP cocktail receptions, lunch each day, weekend admission for the dealer marketplace and speaker presentations. Click Here for Full Access Tickets. Daily Admission: HistoryMiami Museum members: $5; Non-members: $15; University and High School Students w/valid school ID: $10 (at the door only); Children: Ages 6–12 $5; under 6 are free. Single-day admission includes access to dealer marketplace, expert opinion and speaker presentations. Click Here for Saturday Ticket and Click Here for Sunday Ticket.

About HistoryMiami Museum

A Smithsonian Affiliate located in downtown Miami, HistoryMiami Museum is celebrating its 80th anniversary, the museum is home to more than one million historical images and 30,000 three-dimensional artifacts, including a 1920’s trolley car, artifacts from Pan American World Airways, and rafts that brought refugees to Miami. For more information, call 305–375–1492 or visit historymiami.org.

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Raul Guerrero
Downtown NEWS

I write about cities, culture, and history. Readers and critics characterize my books as informed, eccentric, and crazy-funny.