National Museum of American History
1300 Constitution Ave., NW
Washington, DC
Rare maps, early surveying equipment, personal diaries and documents show the emergence of mapping and surveying from pre-Columbian times to the late 19th century.
See maps from the 15th and 16th centuries, the 1718 Delisle map of 'Louisiana'; and astrolabe of Samuel Champlain; an 18th century map of British Royal Astronomer Edmond Halley; a copying machine used by Andrew Ellicott; and 19th century U.S. Coast Survey maps and geological maps.
The exhibit is in conjunction with the 7th International Conference on the History of Cartography, Aug. 7-11.
