At the dawn of the 20th century, hundreds of U.S. citizens dreamed of starting a new life—and a new U.S. territory—on Cuba’s Isle of Pines at what would be known as the McKinley Colonies. A newly cataloged collection of promotional plat maps for this short-lived project shows just how big the founders’ ambitions were, and the role maps played in selling the idea.
On June 30, 2025, the Library of Congress launched its new catalog system for all research centers. This post will highlight the new public-facing online catalog and provide tips and best practices for search and discovery of cartographic materials in the Geography and Map collections. The catalog is the main access point for the Library's collections, including map collections.
Join the Geography and Map Division and Philip Lee Phillips Society for this free in-person event, taking place on Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 1:15 PM to 4:15 PM in the Jefferson Building. Together we will will explore the significance of map surrounds through engaging talks about cartographic self portraits and the watermarks in the William Hacke atlas, along with a themed display.
