Cabinets of Curiosities - Mapping our world: a visit to the Borchert Map Library
Thu, Feb 12, 2026, 10am
S-76 Wilson Library
309 19th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Maps—visual representations of our universe—have been around for centuries, from early cave paintings to modern-day Google maps and more. Each depiction offers a particular perspective of our world, whether it’s a simple navigational map with roads or a complex, three-dimensional overlay of natural features. Maps serve as practical tools and sometimes works of art, and they are increasingly interactive.
UMRA’s Cabinets of Curiosity tour from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 12, will offer an inside look into the rich resources of the University Libraries John R. Borchert Map Library. Map Librarian Ryan Mattke will showcase the treasures and innovations of one of the largest map libraries in the U.S.
Attendees will have an opportunity to view an array of rare and thematic maps and aerial photography. The tour will also highlight the library’s award-winning digital mapping programs, which includes the Mapping Prejudice and Big Ten Geoportal projects.
Given space limitations, the group size is limited to 20 and the tour is currently full. Join the waitlist.
The Wilson Library Is located on the west bank of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. Accessible parking is available nearby in the 19th Avenue Ramp and the 21st Avenue Ramp. Use the QR code on your UMRA membership card for discounted parking.
—Wendy Pradt Lougee, UMRA Program Committee
Upcoming Events
52 Loaves: One Man's Relentless Pursuit of Truth, Meaning, and a Perfect Crust by William Alexander will be the selection for discussion when the UMRA Book Club gathers via Zoom for its first monthly meeting of 2026.
Developing a sense of identity is a central psychological task of the lifespan. Memories and stories from our personal past, as well as cultural memories and stories in society play key roles in how we develop our identities. This presentation will discuss psychological theory and research on how memories and stories make us who we are.
When you are of Icelandic descent you can trace your ancestors back to around 1200 and sometimes further.
Bleak House by Charles Dickens.
Here’s another great opportunity to buy discounted tickets and join your UMRA friends to cheer for the Gophers when the Women’s Basketball team hosts the Purdue Boilermakers at Williams Arena in Minneapolis on February 1.
Join fellow UMRA members for a morning hike in Theodore Wirth Park to celebrate Groundhog Day on Monday, February 2.
UMRA’s special event for this winter will again be a celebration of brighter days and the approaching end of winter. We’ll have food, fellowship, and music provided by Urban Sound, one of the University’s premier student a cappella ensembles.
"One color" is the theme for the meeting of the UMRA Photo Club on Tuesday, February 10.
Family history with Jim Kurle. A tale of Swedish emigration to Dunn County, North Dakota including my grandfather, whose unusual relationship to several churches, and religion in general, was one of the reasons for his emigrating.
UMRA’s Cabinets of Curiosity tour on Thursday, February 12, will offer an inside look into the rich resources of the University Libraries Borchert Map Library. Map Librarian Ryan Mattke will showcase the treasures and innovations of one of the largest map libraries in the U.S.
Well-known Twin Cities-based financial journalist and economics commentator Chris Farrell will be the featured guest for UMRA’s February 17 Living Well Workshop via Zoom. He will discuss why and how the current generation of older Americans is not following the traditional retirement pattern of a relaxed lifestyle.
UMRA's Book Club I will discuss Where Rivers Part: A Story of My Mother's Life. Author is Kao Kalia Yang. Discussion leader is Linda Lindeke.
Renee Alexander’s first job at the Great Minnesota Get-Together was as an intern in 1989. She took over the top job in 2023, following the 26-year tenure of her predecessor.
Growing Up by Russell Baker.
Family history with Michelle Casey.