Kieran McAuliffe, creator of "History Maps," speaks about researching and creating maps that illuminate history in new and vivid ways at 1 p.m. Oct. 11, Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum (LVHM), 432 W. Walnut St., Allentown.

"His [McAuliffe's] maps are astonishingly accurate, expertly arranged and fascinating to read. They take you on an unforgettable geographical journey back in time," Joseph Garrera, LVHM Executive Director, said.

McAuliffe's "John Wilkes Booth Escape Map" offers a fascinating account of 12 tense days as Booth escaped from Ford's Theatre, where he had mortally wounded President Abraham Lincoln, then fled through Maryland swamps and into Virginia.

McAuliffe dramatically retraced the trail of Union soldiers in hot pursuit of the assassin, whom they eventually cornered and shot at the Garrett Farm in Virginia. The map offers both fascinating reading material for those interested in the Lincoln Assassination and a practical do-it-yourself guide for anyone wishing to follow the Booth Escape Route in real life.

McAuliffe has more than four decades of experience as an art director, graphic designer, and photographer. His lifelong interest in history led him to design book covers and maps for numerous American historians.

He came to realize that historical accounts could be visually depicted on maps. Using his creativity, knowledge, extensive library, and contacts with historians, he created the "John Wilkes Booth Escape Route Map."

Hailed by reviewers as a "… permanent contribution to Lincoln studies," the success of the map led McAuliffe to create his series of interpretive "History Maps" depicting historical events through easy-to-read maps, fascinating text, and historical and modern photographs.

McAuliffe's maps will be available for sale in the LVHM store.

Information: lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org, 610-435-1074