Notes on Trip to EuropeFamily history book
Historical cartography
2025
Historical cartography
2025
These 5 period-style maps were commissioned for a family history photo book documenting a trip to Germany in 1897-1898. The cross-Atlantic journey, along with 3 side-trips within Germany, was recorded in detail in a journal preserved by the family.
The maps required extensive historical research. I used period-accurate national borders, consulted historic sailing maps to identify navigational points mentioned in the journal and referenced an 1897 Baedeker guide to reconstruct building outlines in Berlin. A German municipal office also kindly provided a historical regional boundary. The project was quite involved, but a lot of fun to make.
The maps measure 15” x 10” and was designed to fold out from the book, with a quote from the journal printed on the cover of each foldout.
The maps required extensive historical research. I used period-accurate national borders, consulted historic sailing maps to identify navigational points mentioned in the journal and referenced an 1897 Baedeker guide to reconstruct building outlines in Berlin. A German municipal office also kindly provided a historical regional boundary. The project was quite involved, but a lot of fun to make.
The maps measure 15” x 10” and was designed to fold out from the book, with a quote from the journal printed on the cover of each foldout.