press release

Changing Boundaries: Historic Maps of the U.S.-Mexico Border
Arizona Historical Society Opening

June 8, 2011 - 5pm

Gallery of photos from opening

From the Collection of Simon Burrow

Maps tell stories at The Arizona Historical Society, Arizona History Museum. Until the end of September see original maps that show treasure cities, “unknown lands” and Mexico bordering Oregon

Monday, May 23, 2011  - Thursday, September 29, 2011
Hours: Mon - Sat 10 am - 4 pm

For More Information:
Society Office - (520) 628-5774
Simon Burrow, Map Curator - 626 221 7808 email
Laraine Daly Jones, Museum Collections Manager- (520) 617-1179 email

Arizona Historical Society

The Changing Boundaries Exhibit examines the evolution of the US-Mexico border over the last four centuries. The exhibit answers questions about California's mistaken geography as an island, How Tucson came to be part of the United States and hints at the problems of a “fenced border”.

Maps tell stories. This exhibit of original maps shows how the US-Mexico border evolved over the last four centuries.  The maps dated as early at 1600 show the claims, counter claims, conquests and discoveries that resulted in the current borderline.  People who attend this exhibit will see proof that California is an island and learn how the current US/Mexico borderline came to be where it is today.

The exhibit is important not just because it illustrates the history of the Southwest but also because it gives the current debate about the border and our relationship with Mexico a new perspective. Politics, geography and war have effected the border but the border has also effected politics and geography.

The maps show where ancient and mythical cities were thought to be. And yes there are treasure maps that will lead you to the Seven Cities of Gold, Cibola.