Delivery Method: Online  

Old maps can be an amazing source of information for the family historian as well as those studying house or local history.

Course Description

Old maps can be an amazing source of information for the family historian as well as those studying house or local history. Everything happens somewhere and an old map can provide visual and spatial clues which can help us understand individual, family and community spaces, across time periods. Maps can reveal details of property changes, historic land use, travel, economy, ownership and occupancy. Maps are cultural documents, providing a window on a particular time and place in history. ‘Branching Out’ is a series of online, self-paced 5-credit modules, which focus on key documents, resources and collections for family history research and beyond. They give students an opportunity to study a key topic in depth, using relevant examples and collections. This course focuses primarily on British research. Students will learn how to effectively search a number of subscription and free historic mapping websites. Wherever possible, alternative free resources are highlighted; some subscription websites used are available to access for free through local public library services.