Map Collections

An interactive index map of the collection is located here: https://arcg.is/0DzHaj

The Newsmaps were received as depository items in the 1940's and are available upon request. Because of their fragile nature today, they are housed in our secure area. Please contact GIMMS before your visit so we can have them available.

Newsmaps were published by the Special Service Division, Army Service Forces, War Department. The issues were prepared and distributed by the Army Orientation Course. One standard feature that appears on all maps is a short textual summary of key events titled "The War Fronts," that includes descriptions of war-related events, mostly by geographic area, such as China, Russia, Tunisia, South Pacific, Aleutians, Wake, etc. Quite often supplementary map inserts show the principal theatres of conflict, e.g. a portion of the Eastern Front or the Solomon Islands. There are also many photographs. Some of them depict Axis soldiers and weapons.

Another standard feature is a world map that shows the areas controlled by Axis and United Nations forces, as well as neutral countries. Until Nov. 1942, when Axis troops occupied Vichy- France, the area controlled by the Vichy government (including all colonial possessions) was depicted separately (in a different color). Most Newsmaps include other types of information on the back page. Early issues often highlighted enemy weapons or insignia. Later, large detailed maps of one of the principal theaters of conflict became more common. The earlier Newsmaps always included a front page photo essay that highlighted a theme, a feature that disappeared in late 1942. Later all the space on the front page was devoted to The War Fronts feature.

Beginning with the Iwo Jima issue (Feb. 1945) additional changes took place. In subsequent editions of Newsmaps text was usually cut down to a minimum even on the front page. Much of this space was used for more attractive lay-out features. As a consequence all subsequent issues of Newsmaps look more like posters. In the fall of 1945 demobilization and repatriation emerged as the major issues of concern. Some issues of Newsmaps are entirely devoted to this theme. There is also information about life insurance, college, employment, and making the transition to civilian life. Other issues analyze the new world order that emerged in the aftermath of World War II. They focus on war crimes trials, U.S. occupation policies in Germany and Japan, U.S. foreign policy commitments, the future role of the United Nations, conferences of Allied leaders. There are also for the first time features that are primarily celebratory and emphasize the achievements of the Marine Corps, Army combat divisions, U.S. military leaders, etc.