July 29, 2024 –The Decatur Public Library (DPL) has successfully digitized over 130 railroad maps thanks to a $5,000 grant awarded by the Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board (ISHRAB). This project, aimed at making these historical maps accessible online, was funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, a part of the National Archives and Records Administration.
Rick Meyer, the City Librarian, stated, “These maps provide myriad opportunities for inquiry, research, and scholarship into the history of Decatur. This project makes this historical treasure digitally available for the first time to researchers and patrons both locally and worldwide. We’re very proud of it.”
The maps, which were donated in 2017, include those from the Wabash Railroad, Illinois Central Railroad, Illinois Traction System, and Cincinnati Indianapolis and Western Railroad (B&O). They were digitized using advanced techniques and professional-grade equipment to ensure high-quality detail. The collection is now available online at Decatur Public Library’s website.
