Mapping Our Melodies (1945)
How this American "Mixtape" preserved and celebrated a musical heritage
The "Folklore Music Map of the United States" is a captivating and unique illustrated map. Created by Dorothea Dix Lawrence, a trained opera singer and folk music enthusiast, the map showcases the diverse musical heritage of the United States.
It’s also a pioneering infographic map that imparts a wealth of information. The map was illustrated by Harry Cimino, who specialized in woodcut illustrations.
Unlike many other pictorial maps of the time, which were designed for entertainment purposes, this map stands out for its academic approach and attention to detail.
The map features an elaborate border filled with intricate musical instruments, plants, and flowers symbolizing different musical forms and regions across the country.
The top border even includes a Zuni musical scale, demonstrating Lawrence's interest in various musical cultures.
Each state on the map features scenes related to a song associated with that state. The illustrations portray people acting out the stories and themes of the songs.
The map encouraged students to learn about the rich musical traditions of their country and participate actively by singing along.
Lawrence's map aligns with a broader movement during the 1930s and 1940s to preserve and celebrate folk songs as a vital part of American culture.
Lawrence also published a book titled "Folklore Songs of the United States," which complements the map by providing detailed historical background and commentary on each song. ~ Colorado University (Boulder) Library
More in folklore:
Title: Folklore Music Map of the United States.
Author: Dorthea Dix Laurence, (1899-1979) and Harry Cimino (1898 - 1969)
Date: 1945
Publisher: Hagstrom Company, Inc. / New York
Archive: David Rumsey Map Collection 7863.000