[CREDIT: WCFA] Mapmaker George Matteson is the subject of this month's WCFA exhibit, showcasing his history, firefighting adventures and hand-drawn maps of the state.

UPDATE: This event has been delayed until Thursday night.

WARWICK, RI — This month, Warwick Center for the Arts presents an exhibit of famed Rhode Island map maker and illustrator George E. Matteson’s hand-drawn maps and artifacts, on loan from the Clouds Hill Museum, running through Jan 26, and a lecture tonight.

The free lecture takes place at the WCFA, 3259 Post Road, Warwick, from 6 -8 p.m. A $5 donation is suggested, but not required.

“George E. Matteson is treasured for his wonderful maps, beautifully illustrated with local landmarks, legends, and folklore. His maps hang in pictorial map collections locally and abroad, bringing us all twinges of nostalgia,” WCFA noted in its announcement of the exhibit and talk.

Matteson, a native of Scituate, RI, was a forest ranger for more than 40 years. He served as a search and rescue specialist aiding more than 9,000 rescues of lost hunters and hikers, 100 plane crash rescue missions and numerous forest fire patrols. Matteson would fly over forest fires, then draw quick maps of terrain, landmarks, trails and roads, which were dropped by parachute to ground crews to aid them in reaching the heart of a fire.

Matteson’s grandson, Paul St. Amand, custodian of his grandfather’s collection, and Steve & Linda Koirnatz representing the Scituate Preservation Society, have partnered with the Warwick Center for the Arts to present present a unique exhibit and complimentary programs to educate about this mapmaker who spent a lifetime surveying the backwoods, digging into local legends, and preserving Rhode Island’s rich history.

“WCFA is thrilled to partner with Anne Holst and her team from Clouds Hill Victorian Museum, and the Scituate Preservation Society to present this extraordinary exhibit,” the museum announced.

WCFA Gallery exhibit hours

Visit the Matteson exhibit during gallery hours,11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wednesday through Saturday
3259 Post Rd. Warwick, RI 02886
401-737-0010

Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at editor@warwickpost.com with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.

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