Guides
Wayfinders for our collections, tools, and servicesMap collections and resources: Social injustice
Social injustice
Historic map collections
Historic maps are often a direct societal and cultural reflection of the time period they were published in and are evidence of the many social injustices that shaped, and continue to plague, our world. Here we will share maps that we have identified that visualize these topics. The galleries and list below are not exhaustive, and we encourage you to contact your map librarians if you would like further help with identifying maps related to these topics. We also invite you to share with us maps that you have identified related to these topics.
Mapping Inequality Collection | Norman B. Leventhal Map & Education Center at the Boston Public Library
Digital mapping projects
There are several digital mapping projects from around the country that expose the historic and current methods used to perpetuate social injustice, many of which continue to serve as a foundation for systemic racism. We will share these projects here and welcome any suggestions to add to this list:
Transatlantic Slave Trade Database (introductory maps here) | Emory University
Mapping Inequality | University of Richmond, Virginia Tech, University of Maryland
Mapping Inequality For Educators | University of Richmond
Mapping Prejudice | University of Minnesota Libraries
Mapping Racism | Joe's Movement Emporium
Mapping Segregation | Living Together / Living Apart
Native Land | Native Land Digital
The Racial Dot Map | Dustin Cable at University of Virginia
Further learning
The following resources provide additional methods for learning and/or teaching these topics.
Forced removal
Books
Trail of Tears: The Rise and Fall of the Cherokee Nation
Tribal GIS: Supporting Native American Decision Making
External Resources
American Indian Removal: What Does It Mean to Remove a People? | Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
Cherokee Indian Removal | Encyclopedia of Alabama
Indian Removal | Oklahoma Historical Society
May 28, 1830 CE: Indian Removal Act | National Geographic
Trail of Tears | History
Segregation
Books
The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America
Segregation: A Global History of Divided Cities
Suffrage
Books
The Real State of America Atlas: Mapping the Myths and Truths of the United States
External Resources
Mapping the Suffragist Years | Cynthia Smith at Library of Congress
Shall Not Be Denied: Women Fight for the Vote | Library of Congress
Forced removal
Slavery
