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 18^th 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?

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!

Subscribe now to receive this issue or order the issue online.

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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

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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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Subscribe now to receive this issue or order the issue online.
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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? 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!
***
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

Elizabeth Normen

Publisher