Nutmegger or Connectican?
The spring issue's publisher's letter is creating some buzz. Here's what people are talking about:
We’re calling ourselves Connecticans, not Nutmeggers.
It seems appropriate that in an issue about documenting and defining our state’s boundaries that I go on record about an issue that pops up with surprising frequency. Under this magazine’s editorial policy, when we refer to a person from Connecticut, we use “Connectican,” not “Nutmegger.”
After state historian Walt Woodward’s column “Nutmeg Adds Spice, But is it Nice?” (Winter 2007/2008), in which he wrote about the origin of the nickname “The Nutmeg State,” it didn’t feel right to perpetuate the negative stereotype from which that moniker derives. He notes that Connecticut’s peddlers became notorious for passing off wooden nutmegs for the real thing, duping customers along the way.
But what are the alternatives? These suggestions are usually offered: Connecticuters, Connecticutians, even Connecticutanians. The Connecticut State Library cites on its Web site that a 1993 edition of Webster’s New International Dictionary defines a person from Connecticut as a Connecticuter (though a quick check with Chris Dobbs at the Noah Webster House does not attribute this to Webster himself) and lists two terms that appeared in print as early as the 18th century: Connecticotian, used by Cotton Mather in 1702, and Connecticutensian, used by Samuel Peters in 1781. Yikes.
The state library notes that the state has never officially adopted a name for its residents. Clearly, none of these terms has caught on, likely because each is more of a tongue twister than the last. So we’re left to our own devices. For me, Connecticuters is, well, too cute, (at least without an extra “t” to suggest “cutter” instead of “cuter”). Connecticutian and Connecticotian make me think of Martian. As an unrepentant booster of our state, I like the affirmative ending—and the relative brevity—of Connectican.
In this issue we explore the state’s boundaries, which are hardly less contested than our state nickname. The issue looks at maps (including one of our state from 1784 that recently sold at auction for more than $2 million), Native American land use, and other aspects of geography and navigation. It’s an issue about,—at least cartographically—what (and who) put Connecticut on the map.
So...What do you think? Are you a Nutmegger or a Connecticuter or a Connectican?
We’re Putting Connecticut On the Map!
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In the new Spring issue 2012, we’re exploring “cartographically” what (and who) put Connecticut on the map. You’ll read about the circuitous route to settling our state boundaries, Connecticut's first map makers, Native American’s historic approach to land use, and more!
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First up, the state historian explains how King Charles II, in the Royal Charter of 1662, set the colony's generous boundaries—including our western boundary as the Pacific Ocean!
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You’ll also read about a Connecticut map from 1784 that recently sold at auction for $2 million dollars; about Rochambeau’s march across Connecticut to help General Washington and the Continental Army fight the British during the Revolutionary War; and you’ll learn how the rooftops of factories, barns, and municipal buildings helped aviators navigate during the 1920s.
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PLUS, you'll read about exhibitions, events, and museums you’ll want to visit this spring!
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Each issue of Connecticut Explored reveals something new about our state. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life, are new to the state, or now live elsewhere, you’ll deepen your appreciation of Connecticut’s unique and fascinating history. These Connecticut stories cannot be found anywhere else!
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What’s up next? The summer issue commemorates the bicentennial of the War of 1812—the conflict that some called the second war of independence. Find out how this event impacted Connecticut and why the state historian calls it, “The War Connecticut Hated.”
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I invite you to join me by subscribing. Our readers are lifelong learners and avid “Connecticutophiles.” Readers have told us they value:
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“The unique material presented in each issue! You just don't find that anywhere else,” and “The human stories that have made our state what it is today.”
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Begin your exploration of Connecticut history today. You’ll enjoy one good story after another!
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Elizabeth Normen
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Publisher
Spring Issue 2012: There’s a Map for That!
The Spring issue is in the mail to all subscribers. Subscribe now to receive it! This issue explores maps-- learn about the fascinating and complicated story behind our state boundaries, examine how the rooftops of barns, municipal buildings and factories helped aviators navigate during the 1930's, and read about how a Connecticut-made map from 1784 recently sold for $2 million. And, build up your appetite because we explore some of the best roadside eats historical Connecticut has to offer, and more! Subscribe today to receive the new Spring 2012 issue or purchase it online .
10th Anniversary–Celebrate with us!
We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year with great issues and special events. and check back often as more events and details are added.
NPS Launches NEW Civil War Web Site
As part of its commemoration of the Civil War Sesquicentennial and coinciding with events marking the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Shiloh, the National Park Service has launched a new Web site, . The site provides an overview of the war, with special emphasis on National Park Service sites. You’ll also find a wide range of richly-illustrated content, including stories of the Civil War, ranging from causes of the conflict to its consequences; biographies of notable individuals associated with the war, both military and civilian; places within the National Park System that interpret the Civil War; and information on the ways in which the National Park Service preserves Civil War battlefields, objects, landscapes and other historic resources. New content will be added regularly, so visitors are encouraged to check back to the site often.
WINTER ISSUE GOES GLOBAL!
We're busting out this issue. We usually explore Connecticut’s history within our state borders but with this issue, we’re featuring stories of our state's past exploits abroad. First up, our photo essay features early efforts to export Connecticut-made clocks, guns, sewing machines and more to Europe, Central and South America. Samuel Colt's London factory, opened in 1851, may be the first overseas factory established by a 19th century U.S. manufacturer!
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You’ll also read about the U.S.’s first black diplomat (from Connecticut, of course) appointed by President Grant and where he was stationed; about the Herbert Hoover protégé (and later a state senator) who helped bring food aid to Poland early in World War I; and you’ll join the Slater family as they sailed around the world on their Tiffany-decorated yacht in 1894--and more!
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PLUS, you'll read about exhibitions, events, and museums you’ll want to visit this winter!
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SPECIAL HOLIDAY OFFER! From now until December 31, 2011, you’ll receive two bonus issues free when you subscribe—that’s 6 issues for the price of 4!
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Each issue of Connecticut Explored reveals something new about our state. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life, are new to the state, or now live elsewhere, you’ll deepen your appreciation of Connecticut’s unique and fascinating history. These Connecticut stories cannot be found anywhere else!
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What’s up next? We're celebrating our 10th Anniversary all year! The spring issue puts Connecticut "on the map," with stories that explain our state boundaries, explore Native American's historic approach to land use, quintessential town greens, where to find the best roadside food shacks--and more!
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I invite you to join me by subscribing. Our readers are lifelong learners and avid “Connecticutophiles.” Readers have told us they value:
***
“The unique material presented in each issue! You just don't find that anywhere else,” and “The human stories that have made our state what it is today.”
***
Begin your exploration of Connecticut history today. You’ll enjoy one good story after another!
Elizabeth Normen
Publisher
What’s on Deck for Summer 2012
The summer issue commemorates the bicentennial of the War of 1812—the conflict that some called the second war of independence. Find out how this event impacted Connecticut and why the state historian calls it, “The War Connecticut Hated.” You'll read about the attacks by the British on Stonington and Essex, one that ended in victory and the other in defeat—and more!
Lincoln Exhibition in Hartford
Visit the Hartford History Center at Hartford Public Library for "Abraham LIncoln: Self-Made in America," an exhibition on view through November 29, 2011 commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. The exhibition was organized by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (Springfield, IL). You'll also see a remnant of the flag that flew over Fort Sumter on the day the Civil War began--part of Hartford Public Library's Hartford Collection!
Hear State Historian Speak 9/18/11
State Historian Walter Woodward will present a lecture, "The Burning Question of Nathan Hale," during the Presidents' College Showcase on September 18, 2011. The Presidents' College at the University of Hartford is a non-credit series of educational programs and lectures for adults. Each fall they present a sampling of upcoming courses in a day-long program of lectures and panel discussions. Professor Woodward's talk will be an introduction to a three-part course he'll offer next spring on Connecticut History as part of Connecticut Explored's 10th Anniversary celebration, in collaboration with the Presidents' College and the Connecticut Historical Society. For information on Showcase, September 18, 2011, visit or call 860-768-4269.
Fall Issue Commemorates 10th Anniversary of 9/11
10 years ago this September, the nation was forever changed by the tragedy of 9/11. Our fall issue remembers the fallen and celebrates the heroes that emerged on that day, and shows how Connecticans have responded to disasters throughout history.
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In this issue you’ll read:
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September 11, 2001: Connecticut Responds and Reflects. An in-depth look at the collective heroism of the first responders and the response of the state to the tragedy
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What a Disaster! A photo essay about six Connecticut disasters—from train wrecks to hurricanes
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Everyday Heroes. From the Connecticut town hardest hit by 9/11, a story of ordinary Greenwich residents who in times of life-threatening crisis have shown extraordinary courage
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America’s Tall Ship. How a World War II German training ship was reborn to train Coast Guard cadets out of New London
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I Wanted to Fly. How Connie Nappier got the opportunity to join the Tuskegee Airmen and become a pilot
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The Living 9/11 Memorial. A look at Sherwood Island State Park’s memorial to the fallen
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PLUS, exhibitions, events, and museums you’ll want to visit this fall!
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Each issue of Connecticut Explored reveals something new about our state. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life, are new to the state, or now live elsewhere, you’ll deepen your appreciation of Connecticut’s unique and fascinating history. These Connecticut stories cannot be found anywhere else!
***
What’s up next? The winter issue kicks off our 10th anniversary year! We’ll step outside our borders to look at contributions of “Connecticans Abroad.”
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I invite you to join me by subscribing. Our readers are lifelong learners and avid “Connecticutophiles.” Readers have told us they value:
***
“The unique material presented in each issue! You just don't find that anywhere else,” and “The human stories that have made our state what it is today.”
***
Begin your exploration of Connecticut history today. You’ll enjoy one good story after another!
Elizabeth Normen
Publisher
