The Map Restoration Project at Science Hall needs your support.
Restoration of the 18 historic plaster relief maps in Science
Hall has been underway for about 8 months, and four maps have been
completed. However, the funds available will be insufficient to
start restoration on the remaining 12 plaster relief maps.
The Department of Geography asks for your support of the Science
Hall Map Restoration Project by contributing $1000 to cover the
restoration expenses for one plaster relief map.
Donors can choose
to contribute $500 for shared support of a single map, or can
choose to support several maps. Finished maps
will be reinstalled with a plaque honoring the donor. Donate
now >
In addition to the restoration, the Robinson Map Library will
place one map on permanent exhibit. The exhibit will feature more
detailed historical cartographic information with special lighting.
To accompany the permanent exhibit, a full-color map tour guide
for all the relief maps in Science Hall will be published for walking
tours.
All donors may also contribute to this permanent exhibit and brochure
fund (see M-90 and M-91 in table).
About the Maps
Of the 18 maps, six were created by UW geologists between 1909
and 1939. The oldest plaster relief map is the 1894 model of the
Chattanooga District by Edwin E. Howell, a geologist who took part
in USGS Wheeler Surveys west of the 100th meridian in 1872-1873.
Science Hall has four plaster relief maps created by Howell alone
and several others that list him as preparator.
"These maps are irreplaceable, " said Onno Brouwer,
Director of the Cartography Lab. He noted that the maps have been
a cultural touchstone for generations of Science Hall students
and faculty and are a major part of the legacy and architecture
of Science Hall.
In addition to the restoration, the Robinson Map Library will
place one map on permanent exhibit. The exhibit will feature more
detailed historical cartographic information with special lighting.
To accompany the permanent exhibit, a full-color map tour guide
for all the relief maps in Science Hall will be published for walking
tours. 
