David Rumsey Maps

David Rumsey is a historical map collector that has the largest historical map collection in North America in his map library in San Francisco. The collection is about 25 years worth of work and embodies maps from about 1700 to 1925 of the world with a special emphasis on North America. In 1999, he set out to digitize maps and make them available for a wide audience. Currently, he has around 17,500 maps online on his website. (http://www.davidrumsey.com)

When you teleport onto the 4-sim island, you arrive at a welcome center. The welcome center provides information about David Rumsey and the project. Free map souvenirs are available at the welcome center including wall maps and globes. A free map viewer that provides pictures of maps in a slide show format is also available.

Make sure you visit the second floor of the welcome center. There you will find a video about the map collection, Mr. Rumsey's goals, and bringing the collection into Second Life.

The welcome center also connects you with other areas of the island to immerse yourself in the maps. The first map I clicked on to visit transported me into one of the two huge globes on the island. It is a world globe from 1790. Inside is a clock type mechanism that allows you to see the inside of the globe in a 360 degree manner. Have a seat and enjoy the view. You can also click the kiosk to receive more information about about globe.

Whether you are a history buff, appreciate the art of old maps, or just want someplace "cool" to see, you will enjoy David Rumsey Maps. You can walk the streets of New York on a map, spin inside an old globe, and add a map pin to your hometown.

To visit David Rumsey Maps, CLICK HERE (Rumsey Maps 107, 73, 55).