Meadow Dibble | Place Names in Wabanakik/Maine

Place names teach us about our history, values, and present-day relationships with one another. Here in Maine, racist and problematic place names have long marred the landscape and continue to impact our communities. By examining trends in toponymy, we can gain insight into whose perspectives have been privileged and, by contrast, whose experiences have been dismissed and forgotten. This presentation provides foundational knowledge about Maine's place names profile in relation to those of other states in New England and across the U.S. Attendees will also learn to identify problematic place names in their area and develop approaches to understanding the historical context behind them. Come explore ways to make the commemorative landscape more welcoming, inclusive, and reflective of the breadth of experiences of the people who have made these places what they are today.