Shortly after the beginning of the 20th Century, my grandfather, Dana F. Perkins acquired a number of land surveying companies, many of which had been in business for more than 100 years at that time. At first, Grampie used the maps and records he now owned as part of his own surveying firm, but, over time, they became just as valuable as historical and genealological documents as they were to the surveyor.

Over the years, these old maps have been stored in barns, cellars, sheds — even an active chicken coop. But today, they have their very own home in the archives of The Perkins Collection, which consists of more than 100,000 pieces, some of which have not been seen for many, many decades. They run the gamut from elaborately drawn surveying plots of the Industrial Age and before to government and private atlases. There are wall maps, advertising cards and posters, a treasure trove of genealogical information and more. Most are one-of-a-kind. Many are truly works of art.

We are reproducing these fine 18th to 20th Century Boston area maps in hopes that they will be seen and enjoyed by many people: Those who love genealogy or history, especially that of our own local and New England area.

Perhaps your ancestor hired one of these long-ago surveyors to make a map of his estate. Perhaps you live in an old home and would love a copy of its original plan to frame and hang in the parlor. It might be fun to take a trip back in time for a look at the old neighborhood long, long before it was the old neighborhood. If you are interested in the railroads, trolleys, waterways and businesses of past days, there is much in The Perkins Collection for you too.

People love maps, and these high-quality reproductions, made with archival inks and papers, make lovely and thoughtful gifts.

Thank you for visiting our site. Please take your time, browse and enjoy the collection. We are confident that we have just what you are looking for. If not, we are adding new maps every day, so come back and see us again.

Happy browsing and enjoy!

Janet Perkins