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The Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps

Mid Mod Remodel

Mid Mod Remodel
The Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps
Nov 06, 2025 Season 22 Episode 15
Della Hansmann | Mid-Century Design Expert and owner of Mid Mod Midwest

Where are all my history nerds? Raise your hands. This week is for you. I’m talking historic maps, digitized collections and crowd-sourced cartography projects. I KNOW! Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps are large-scale maps created to help fire insurance agents determine the risk associated with properties. They contain a surprising amount of detail about a building's size, shape, construction materials, and fire protection systems that might just help you plan a great remodel. 


In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

  • What old insurance maps can tell you about your home and neighborhood. 
  • How old maps might save your garage.
  • Other surprising places to look to learn about your home’s history. 


Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2215

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