6. Manhattan Borough President’s Map Display
Borough presidents are responsible for maintaining a database of maps of their borough, mainly for the purpose of updating the map with addresses of new buildings, preparing for street improvements, and verifying information about existing buildings and monuments. But they also safeguard historic maps, including the 1820 map of Manhattan by John Randall that will be on display for OHNY. The massive map encompasses 92 panels and measures approximately 16 feet by 60 feet. It was the first map to plot the 1811 “Commissioner’s Plan” that laid out Manhattan’s street grid.
The Manhattan borough president’s Map Room is typically only open by appointment from Monday to Friday, but for Open House New York 2021 it will be exceptionally open on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Manhattan residents will be able to register for a chance to win a digital print of the map.
