Printed maps at the APS are not individually cataloged, but have been available as part of the guide Realms of Gold. This finding aid represents all of the printed maps listed in that guide arranged geographically. Each entry contains a sequential number as was found in the original guide beginning with entry 53. Manuscript maps are cataloged within manuscript collections and are not listed in this finding aid.

This article is a history of manuscript collecting at the American Philosophical Society, from 1743 to 1844.