“What’s in a Name? Exploring Place Names as Forms of Social and Geographic Storytelling” was sponsored in part by the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources Southern Region at Middle Tennessee State University. Content created and featured in partnership with the TPS Southern Region does not indicate an endorsement by the Library of Congress.
This interactive workshop invited educators to explore the profound social, historical, and political meanings behind the names attached to places. Far from simple labels, place names, or toponyms, are power-laden expressions of a community’s identity, values, and ongoing struggles for recognition. Participants learned how to map and critically interpret place names, using primary sources of geographical and historical data, gaining tools to engage students in critical inquiry about the past and present. Together, examined how naming practices function as forms of public storytelling, shaping our understanding of who belongs, whose histories are remembered, and how communities claim and contest space through names. The agenda and access to the workshop resources via a Google Drive are found at the bottom of the page.
Time |
Monday, October 6th |
9:00 |
TGA Welcome, Daily Expectations, Q/A |
9:30 |
"What’s in a Name? Unpacking the Storytelling Power of Place Names" Derek Alderman (Introduces the idea that place names are not neutral location labels; they encode identity, memory, and narrative.) |
10:30: |
East Tennessee Historical Society: Tour and Talk Lisa Oakley, Vice President and Curator of Education, will guide participants through acquiring ETHS resources and guide them through the facility. |
11:30 |
"Hello, My Name Is: How Place Names can Heal Both Land and People" Kim Smith (Introduces the role of place names in sustaining identity and narrative, showing how naming shapes both memory and future stewardship.) |
12:30 |
Lunch |
1:30 |
Sectional Reveals of old maps: Brian Smith |
2:00 |
|
3:00 |
Story Map Introduction: ArcGIS Story Maps
|
3:45 |
Debrief |
Time |
Tuesday, October 7th |
9:00 |
TGA Welcome, Daily Expectations, Q/A |
9:30 |
"Mapping Meaning: Tools for Analyzing Place Names as Social Texts" Derek Alderman (Equips educators with methods to locate, research, and critically interpret toponyms using historical and geographical data.)"/ |
10:30 |
“Kuwohi and the Power of Place Name Repatriation" Seth Kannarr (Explores the restoration of Kuwohi, formerly Clingmans Dome, in the Great Smoky Mountains using primary source analysis and mapping) |
11:30 |
Whose Story Gets Told? Place Names, Identity, and Memory" Derek Alderman (Focuses on how place names reflect and shape who is recognized, valued, and made visible within a community.) |
12:30 |
Lunch |
1:30 |
Analyzing Maps Activity: Brian Smith |
2:00 |
Knoxville County Planning Commission on Name Changes: Michelle Portier and Andrea Kupfer |
3:00 |
Story Mapping Development |
3:45 |
Debrief |
We want to show support and thanks to our host.
