(312) 555-0147 [email protected]

Terms of Service

Last Updated: April 1, 2026

Welcome to Earliest Chicago Maps. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of our website at www.earliestchicagomaps.com, our physical gallery and print shop located at 714 South Dearborn Street, Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60605, and all related services, products, and content offered by Earliest Chicago Maps ("we," "our," or "us"). By accessing our website, placing an order, or using any of our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must discontinue use of our website and services immediately.

Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using our website, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age or are accessing the site under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian. You agree that you have read, understood, and accept these Terms in their entirety. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time, and your continued use of our website or services following any such modifications constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms. It is your responsibility to review these Terms periodically for updates.

Description of Services

Earliest Chicago Maps is a gallery, print shop, and research center specializing in historical Chicago cartography. Since our founding in 2012, we have provided the following services to collectors, institutions, and design professionals:

  • Reproduction Prints: Museum-quality giclĂ©e reproductions of historical Chicago maps printed on archival cotton rag paper, available in original scale or custom dimensions.
  • Custom Framing: Conservation-grade framing services using UV-protective glazing, acid-free matting, and archival mounting techniques for maps, prints, and historical documents.
  • Authentication and Appraisal: Professional examination and verification of antique maps, including analysis of paper composition, printing technique, ink chemistry, watermarks, and provenance documentation, with detailed written reports.
  • Research Services: Historical research consultations utilizing our cartographic library and archival holdings, covering genealogical research, neighborhood history, property investigations, and academic projects.
  • Educational Tours: Guided gallery tours and neighborhood walking experiences exploring Chicago's cartographic history.
  • Corporate and Institutional Collections: Curated map installations for offices, hotels, restaurants, and public spaces, including selection, reproduction, framing, and professional installation.
  • Online Tools: Free digital tools including the Map Value Estimator, Print Size Calculator, and Chicago Timeline Explorer for educational and informational purposes.

Intellectual Property

All content on our website, including but not limited to text, photographs, high-resolution map scans, digital reproductions, graphic designs, logos, icons, page layouts, blog articles, research materials, and software code, is the property of Earliest Chicago Maps or our licensors and is protected by United States and international copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

Our reproduction prints are produced from high-resolution scans of original historical documents. While many of the original maps depicted in our reproductions are in the public domain due to their age, our specific digital scans, color calibrations, restorations, and printed reproductions represent original creative work and are protected by copyright. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, display, perform, or create derivative works from our digital scans or reproduction prints without our prior written consent.

The images of maps displayed on our website are provided for informational and promotional purposes only. Downloading, copying, or redistributing these images for commercial use without authorization is strictly prohibited. Limited use for personal, non-commercial, educational purposes may be permitted under fair use principles, but we recommend contacting us for clarification before using any of our content.

User Conduct

When using our website and services, you agree to the following:

  • You will provide accurate and truthful information when placing orders, submitting contact forms, booking gallery visits, or requesting authentication and research services.
  • You will not use our website for any unlawful purpose or in violation of any applicable local, state, national, or international law.
  • You will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to any portion of our website, server, or database.
  • You will not interfere with or disrupt the operation of our website or the servers and networks connected to it.
  • You will not use automated tools, bots, or scripts to access, scrape, or download content from our website without our express written permission.
  • You will not misrepresent your identity or affiliation when engaging with our services or staff.
  • You will not submit fraudulent authentication or appraisal requests, including knowingly providing falsified provenance documentation.

Pricing and Payment

All prices displayed on our website and quoted by our staff are in United States dollars (USD) unless otherwise specified. Prices are subject to change without notice, although we will honor any price confirmed in a written order or estimate for a period of 30 days from the date of the quote.

  • Reproduction Prints: Pricing varies based on map selection, print size, paper type, and finish. Standard sizes start at $45, with custom dimensions and premium archival substrates priced individually. A detailed price list is available on our Reproduction Prints page or upon request.
  • Custom Framing: Framing costs depend on frame style, size, glazing type, matting options, and mounting method. Quotes are provided after an in-person or virtual consultation. Conservation-grade framing for standard-sized prints typically ranges from $150 to $600.
  • Authentication and Appraisal Services: Single-item verbal consultations start at $75. Comprehensive written appraisals with provenance research range from $200 to $500 per item. Discounted rates are available for collections of five or more pieces.
  • Research Services: Hourly research fees apply for custom historical research consultations. Rates are provided upon request and depend on the scope and complexity of the project.

Payment is accepted via major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), PayPal, and bank transfer for orders exceeding $1,000. A 50% deposit is required for custom framing orders and corporate installation projects, with the balance due upon completion. All payments are processed securely through our PCI-compliant third-party payment processor.

Shipping and Delivery

Reproduction prints are carefully packaged in rigid mailers or tubes to prevent damage during transit. Standard shipping within the continental United States is available via USPS Priority Mail and UPS Ground. Expedited shipping options including UPS 2-Day and Next Day Air are available at additional cost. International shipping is available to select countries; please contact us for a shipping quote.

Estimated production times for reproduction prints are 5 to 10 business days from the date of order confirmation. Custom framing projects typically require 2 to 4 weeks depending on complexity and material availability. Delivery timeframes are estimates and not guarantees. We are not liable for delays caused by shipping carriers, customs processing, weather events, or other circumstances beyond our control.

Framed items within the Chicago metropolitan area may be eligible for hand delivery and professional installation by our team. Contact us for availability and pricing.

Returns and Refunds

We stand behind the quality of our reproduction prints and framing services. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, the following return policies apply:

  • Reproduction Prints: Unframed standard-size prints may be returned within 30 days of delivery for a full refund, provided they are in original condition and packaging. Custom-sized prints are non-refundable unless they arrive damaged or contain a printing defect.
  • Custom Framing: Custom framing orders are non-refundable due to the bespoke nature of the work. If a framing defect is identified, we will repair or reframe the item at no additional charge.
  • Authentication and Appraisal Services: Fees for completed authentication and appraisal services are non-refundable, as these represent professional opinions and research already performed.
  • Damaged or Defective Items: If your order arrives damaged or defective, please contact us within 7 days of delivery with photographs of the damage. We will arrange a replacement or full refund at our discretion, including reimbursement of return shipping costs.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Earliest Chicago Maps and its owners, officers, employees, agents, and affiliates shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, use, goodwill, or other intangible losses, arising out of or related to your use of or inability to use our website, services, or products. Our total cumulative liability to you for any claims arising from your use of our website or services shall not exceed the total amount you paid to us for the specific product or service giving rise to the claim during the 12 months preceding the event.

We do not warrant that our website will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses or other harmful components. Our website and its content are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Earliest Chicago Maps and its owners, officers, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to your use of our website or services, your violation of these Terms, your violation of any rights of a third party, or any content you submit or transmit through our website.

Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any legal action or proceeding arising out of or related to these Terms or your use of our website or services shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Cook County, Illinois, and you consent to the personal jurisdiction and venue of such courts.

Dispute Resolution

Before initiating any formal legal proceeding, you agree to first attempt to resolve any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms or our services through good-faith negotiation. You may contact us at [email protected] to initiate this process. If the dispute is not resolved within 30 days of your initial contact, either party may pursue formal legal remedies as described in the Governing Law section above. Nothing in this section prevents either party from seeking injunctive or equitable relief in court for matters involving intellectual property rights or unauthorized access to our systems.

Modification of Terms

We reserve the right to modify, amend, or replace these Terms at any time at our sole discretion. When we make material changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page and, where appropriate, provide notice through our website or by email. Your continued use of our website or services after any such changes constitutes your binding acceptance of the revised Terms. If you do not agree with the modified Terms, you must stop using our website and services.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, that provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid, legal, and enforceable, or if modification is not possible, it shall be severed from these Terms. The invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity, legality, or enforceability of the remaining provisions of these Terms, which shall continue in full force and effect.

Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

Earliest Chicago Maps
714 South Dearborn Street, Suite 200
Chicago, IL 60605

Phone: (312) 555-0147
Email: [email protected]