The University of Kentucky Libraries is home to a vast and significant cartographic resource: the Gwen Curtis Map Collection. Located on the Fourth Floor of the Science & Engineering Library, this collection stands as the largest research map collection in Kentucky, boasting over 250,000 paper maps and aerial photos. Its extensive holdings are invaluable for both instruction and research across various university departments, offering materials that cater to a wide range of academic interests.
The collection’s strength lies not only in its sheer volume but also in its commitment to diverse and unconventional cartography. It actively includes maps that employ novel mapping techniques and, importantly, highlight historically marginalized perspectives, populations, and geographic areas. This dedication aligns with UK Libraries’ Strategic Priorities, particularly in enhancing diversity within its collections.
Sarah Watson, the Maps & Geospatial Services Manager, spearheads the curation and growth of this remarkable collection. Her efforts focus on strategic acquisitions to ensure the collection remains dynamic and relevant. A significant recent addition exemplifies this forward-thinking approach.
One of the newest and most notable acquisitions is the Atlanta Hip-Hop Map, created in 2021 by graphic designer and illustrator Joseph Veazey. This hand-painted map is a vibrant tribute to the rich history of hip-hop in Atlanta, meticulously detailing the people and places integral to its evolution. Every element depicted on the map, from streets and businesses to recording studios and community organizations, is referenced in a seminal hip-hop hit or influential album. The map’s perimeter is adorned with 60 portraits celebrating hip-hop artists who have shaped the genre across various eras and subgenres. Watson’s decision to acquire this map was particularly timely, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of hip-hop in 2023, a fact she discovered through the latest Atlas of Design.
The development of the Gwen Curtis Map Collection is deeply influenced by UK Libraries’ strategic goals, with a strong emphasis on increasing diversity. Watson actively seeks out maps and materials that not only challenge traditional cartographic methods but also fill historical and contemporary gaps, especially concerning Kentucky and the Appalachian region. This commitment ensures that the collection reflects a broader and more inclusive understanding of geography and history.
A substantial portion of the collection is maintained through the Federal Depository Library Program, providing access to maps from government agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. Additionally, the collection benefits from generous donations, including recent contributions of historical Army Map Service maps and landowner maps focusing on western Kentucky. Watson notes that “Beyond acquiring new items, one thing I’ve worked on is highlighting older items in the collection. Given the large number of maps, the collection houses many interesting items that deserve to be rediscovered.” This proactive approach ensures that hidden gems within the collection are brought to light.
The map collection’s impressive growth and development are largely attributed to Gwendolyn “Gwen” Sternberg Curtis, who began her career at UK Libraries in 1973. For 45 years, she dedicated herself to curating, developing, and maintaining the collection, overseeing its expansion to 250,000 maps. In recognition of her profound contribution, UK Libraries honored Curtis in September 2018 by officially naming the collection in her honor.
Complementing the extensive map collection, the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Lab is also situated on the Fourth Floor. This facility offers all UK students and faculty the opportunity to create their own maps using powerful mapping software. The GIS Lab is equipped with four workstations, each featuring 30-inch monitors and industry-standard software such as ArcPro, QGIS, and Google Earth. A variety of training workbooks and GIS reference materials are also available to support users. The Lab operates during the Science & Engineering Library’s regular hours, providing accessible resources for geospatial analysis and map creation.
The Gwen Curtis Map Collection is accessible to the public, although its materials do not circulate. However, for non-copyrighted items, digital scans can often be provided. To view maps in person, users are required to schedule an appointment. This can be arranged through the map’s listing on InfoKat Discovery or via the dedicated Maps Library Guide. This comprehensive guide also serves as a valuable resource for mapping materials and further information about the collection, ensuring users can fully leverage the wealth of cartographic knowledge available.
