An Evening at The Map Center

I’ve been meaning to go to The Map Center since I met proprietor Andrew Middleton about 2 years ago at an event. Middleton won a contest to take over the store from its previous owner and moved from California to Pawtucket, Rhode Island to run the place. Finally, a Geospatial Professionals Network event was my excuse to head to Pawtucket.

There are very few map stores left in the United States and most of them specialize in antique maps. The Map Center has carved out a niche in the more interesting (in my opinion) world of creative and eccentric maps.

Also included are books, post cards and other ephemera such as this tray.

For me, it was like being a kid in a candy shop.

Here are some sample books.

Here is a piece of an old Russian rail map.

All the Hams of Massachusetts by Ricky Rainbow Beard.

Of course, I couldn’t leave without buying a bunch of stuff I don’t need*, including this T-shirt,

and a hard copy of the wonderful Cross-Sections through California by RJ Andrews. 

*About the “stuff I don’t need” quote, Middleton says “no one will have their day ruined for lack of a thing I sell. But I do hope it makes people's lives richer and more filled with wonder and curiosity.“

It’s tough running a map store in an age of ubiquitous internet maps and GPS. He is planning on doing some more experiential stuff- classes in QGIS, event hosting and art exhibitions for that very reason. I hope the store survives so I can continue buying items that make my life richer.