One of the most valuable FREE tools for genealogists (in my opinion) is finally back! The Newberry Library has released a test version of the interactive county boundary maps. You can find it at http://publications.newberry.org/ahcbp/.
Although the information on county boundary changes still existed while the interactive tool was being overhauled, many have been waiting patiently for the return of the interactive map.
What makes this tool so valuable?
One of the time consuming mistakes a genealogist can make is searching in the wrong location for our ancestors. I learned this when I first started researching. I was searching for some of my Maryland ancestors in Harford County, Maryland. I couldn’t find any records for them in the 1700s even though I knew they were there. Turns out I was right, they were there except it wasn’t Harford County, it was Baltimore County. Knowing that Harford County wasn’t formed until 1774 would have saved my months of searching for records in the wrong location. Once I realized that I should have been searching Baltimore County instead of Harford County, I found many of the records I needed. If the interactive map had existed back then I would have saved much time and head scratching.
Once I discovered the interactive map it was a definite “go to” site, especially when beginning research in a new location.
Check out the new tool. Users have the ability to provide feedback on the interactive map as well via email.
Aunt Barb's Papers 