Roanoke Colonies Research Newsletter
Volume 2.2 (May 1995)

Outer Banks History Center Exhibit Features Four Hundred Years of Cartography
by Jean Snow
Outer Banks History Center Associates

Early this year the Outer Banks History Center mounted an exhibition of cartography of the Outer Banks. The exhibition, titled “A Chronology of Outer Banks Cartography, Four Centuries of Mapmaking,” may be seen throughout this year at the gallery of the center which is located in Manteo, North Carolina, adjoining the site of the Elizabeth II.

The exhibition is made up of forty-seven maps dating from 1584 through 1994, most of them originals and very rare, many of them of great beauty, and some of great technical interest. The 1584 map is based on the early explorations of DeSoto and others and was drawn by one of the greatest mapmakers of all time, Ortelius. One of the most interesting features of the exhibit is the possibility for the viewer to compare the past geography of the Outer Banks with that of today. One may see evidence of inlets that have closed, changing the entire aspect of the banks. Many of the current place names are found, although frequently with variant spellings, even on the oldest maps. The newest map, a topographical map of the state of North Carolina, was produced with the most modern techniques of satellite and computer imaging. In between are economic maps, technical maps, cultural maps, commercial maps, and navigational maps for air, land, and sea travel. U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey maps from the nineteenth century show accurate delineations of the coastline and led to the most accurate mapping of the region up to that date. Quality reproductions of some of the more interesting maps are available for purchase. This important exhibit may be seen Monday through Saturday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

The Outer Banks History Center opened in 1988 as a result of the generous 1986 gift of his research library to the state of North Carolina by David Stick, Outer Banks author and historian. Over 25,000 books, manuscripts, and pamphlets as well as 650 maps were in the collection at that time. The OBHC now holds 800 maps, one of the largest collections in the state.

With its impressive collection of books, materials, and photographs relating to Outer Banks history, the OBHC is set up, through the North Carolina Division of Archives and History, as a research facility with a reading room, study carrels, and a friendly and most helpful staff with great personal knowledge of the people and places of the Outer Banks. They are dedicated to aiding in research and to expanding the holdings of the center through acquisitions and gifts from interested citizens. For anyone who is interested in research on the Roanoke Colonies or any aspect of the Outer Banks, the OBHC is an ideal source of information.

The Outer Banks History Center Associates is an auxiliary, non-profit organization of volunteers who support the OBHC. By mounting exhibits such as the one on cartography, they hope to make more people aware of the work and value of the OBHC, as well as to aid in raising funds for acquisitions. Their work is supported by funds from the Frank Stick Memorial Fund which was established by David Stick, in memory of his father, through the Outer Banks Community Foundation; by donations from such groups as the Rotary; and from individuals and corporations. Membership in the OBHC Associates is available by addressing the OBHC at P.O. Box 250, Manteo, NC, 27954, or by calling (919) 473-2655. Membership in the Associates entitles you to the newsletter and advance notification of any planned lectures, exhibits, or other events at the OBHC. Caution: if you join, the Associates may put you to work on some very interesting and rewarding projects which would require you to work with some very exciting and talented problem solvers.

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