MONROE — The Green County Genealogical Society will hold a Friday Fun Day from 1-3 p.m. on Oct. 13 at the GCGS Research Center, located in the lower level of the Monroe Public Library.

Suzann Holland will share how to use the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps and how to access them for free through the library website. 

In the 19th century, specialized maps were originally prepared for the exclusive use of fire insurance companies and underwriters. Those companies needed accurate, current and detailed information about the properties they were insuring. 

The Sanborn Map Company was created around 1866 in the United States in response to this need. The maps depict more than 12,000 American towns and cities. They show the size, shape and construction materials of dwellings, commercial buildings, factories and other structures. They indicate both the names and width of streets, and show property boundaries and how individual buildings were used. House and block numbers are identified. They also show the location of water mains, fire alarm boxes and fire hydrants. This is another opportunity to discover some history about the lives and businesses of our ancestors.

Visitors are always welcome and there is no cost to attend. For any questions, call Ginny at 608-426-1796 or Donna at 608-921-1537. 

The GCGS Research Center, located in the lower level of the Monroe Public Library, is available to the public for research each Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., other times available by appointment by calling 608-325-7436 on Tuesday, or Bill at 608-325-2990.