An expert from the Library’s Map Division looks at how maps and cartographic broadsides shaped public understanding of the American Revolution.

Ian Fowler, the Library's Curator of Maps, History, and Government Information, explores the role of cartography in the years leading up to and during the Revolutionary War. Drawing primarily from British perspectives, Fowler examines how cartographers and publishers advanced political discourse and influenced public understanding of the conflict.

Presented in connection with Declaring America: 1776 and Beyond, the New York Public Library's exhibition marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, on view in multiple galleries through January 10, 2027.

To join | Please register for an In-Person Ticket. Doors will open around 1:30 PM. For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. All registered seats are released shortly before start time, and seats may become available at that time. A standby line will form 30 minutes before the program.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Ian Fowler serves as the Curator of Maps, History, and Government Information for The New York Public Library. In that role he is responsible for the care and development of the cartographic collections as well as maintaining one of the oldest federal depository libraries in the country. He also uses the resources under his curatorial care for educational outreach and programming. Most recently, he co-curated the Revolutionary City section of the Library's Declaring America: 1776 and Beyond exhibition with Meredith Mann. Before joining The New York Public Library Ian was the director of the Osher Map Library and Smith Center for Cartographic Education at the University of Southern Maine and has previously worked at the Geography and Map Division at the Library of Congress. Ian has a BA in education with a minor in geography from The Ohio State University and an MSLIS from Dominican University outside of Chicago.

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ACCESSIBILITY

In-Person | You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning service at least two weeks in advance of the event: please submit your request via this form. This venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs.

CONNECT

For questions and inquiries, please email [email protected] or use this Gmail template.

Please submit press inquiries at least 48 hours before the event: email [email protected] or use this Gmail template.

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Courtesy Ian Fowler