Educational Series
The History in Your Hands Foundation is proud to host a robust and dynamic educational series during Saturday and Sunday of the fair. The program will consist of several lectures and panel discussions on a variety of topics related to antiquarian maps, mapping technology, books, collecting, and of course international and local history.
Do you have a topic that you are knowledgeable and passionate about, and would like to be a part of our educational series? If so, please fill out the submission form at the bottom of this page.
An Introduction to Map Collecting
By: Ashley Baynton-Williams
A third-generation map-dealer, researcher and author from London, active in the map trade for nearing forty years. His informal workshop on map collecting for beginners will introduce and explain the basic fundamentals of collecting old maps. Throughout the duration of his talk, attendees will enjoy a hands on learning experience as the learn the anatomy of a map, how to judge original and modern color, recognizing the different printing processes, and condition issues. Attendees will leave attendees with the underlying confidence to understand the array of maps on display at the fair (and elsewhere).
What’s This Book Worth?
By: Vic Zoschak of Tavistock Books
Did you ever wonder what Grandma’s books might be worth? If so, then this talk by Vic Zoschak, proprietor of Tavistock Books, and current President of the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association, is for you! Mr Zoschak will describe in detail the different aspects of the four primary factors - edition, condition, availability & desirability - that affect a given book's monetary value in the marketplace. Questions will not only be welcome, but encouraged.
Historical Route Maps and Ships of East Asia
By: Richard Pegg of the MacLean Collection
Numerous official and private networks of maritime trade were in place in the fourteenth to eighteenth centuries in the China Seas. These maritime trade systems were comprised of smaller overlapping systems including the private Fujian system or the official red-seal system in Japan and the official tribute trade systems of China. And the preferred ocean-going ship type connecting all these systems was a unique Chinese junk hybrid with several Western innovations. It is through historical documents, paintings of these ships and maps of the routes they took that we enhance our understanding of how these systems functioned.
10 Things to Know About Antique Maps
By: Eliane Dotson of Old World Auctions
Eliane Dotson is the owner of Old World Auctions, an auction house specializing in antique maps. In her role, she researches, catalogs, and values 2000 maps each year, and also writes a monthly newsletter on various topics related to antique maps. Eliane is the President of the Washington Map Society and a committee member of the Fry-Jefferson Map Society at the Library of Virginia.
This talk will focus on what new collectors need to know about antique maps to confidently evaluate maps and decide what to add to their collection. While examining a variety of antique map types, we will discuss important terminology, color application, printing techniques, and the features that differentiate maps from various time periods. Discover which key factors most affect the value of a map and how to cultivate and care for your collection. This talk will demystify the world of antique maps and give you the tools to know what to look for and questions to ask when looking at a map.