Resources

Need help? Here are some pointers and resources that may be useful!

Research and Analysis Advice

• See if there are any markers at the physical location explaining why it is named what it is 
• Check to see if the place has a website. The "About" section could be a good place to start
• Does the place have a mission statement or a list of values?
• Talk to your local or school librarian
• Has your family or friend's family lived in the area? They might be a good interview subject
• When in doubt, reach out to Legacy Washington for more pointers

Oral History Techniques

"Activity: Conduct Your Own Oral History" from History, Art & Archives, United States House of Representatives

https://history.house.gov/Education/Lesson-Plans/Oral-History-Lesson-Plans/Conduct-Oral-History/

Real World Examples of Reexamining Names

Spokane City Council votes to rename Ft. George Wright Drive from KREM2 News

https://www.krem.com/article/news/local/who-was-col-george-wright-and-why-local-groups-are-calling-to-rename-street-honoring-him/293-ffcf197b-0d96-49fe-9b29-fd6cd3d0f2b5?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot 

Student honored to participate in historic name change at 'SiHi' from Silas High School 

https://silas.tacomaschools.org/about/news/story-details/~board/2021-2022-school-year/post/student-honored-to-participate-in-historic-name-change-at-sihi

"A bridge between cultures" from Indian Country Today

https://indiancountrytoday.com/news/a-bridge-between-cultures

Committee on Geographic Names, Department of Natural Resources

https://www.dnr.wa.gov/about/boards-and-councils/board-natural-resources/committee-geographic-names 

Lesson Plans 

“Do Monuments Tell ‘The Whole Story?’’ from Primarily Washington

https://primarilywashington.org/items/show/41624

“Why Does the Name of a Place Matter?” from Primarily Washington

https://primarilywashington.org/items/show/41594

"Identity & Community: An Introduction to 6th Grade Social Studies" from Facing History

https://www.facinghistory.org/resource-library/identity-and-community

On Community and What We Commemorate

"Whose Memory? Whose Monuments?" from American Historical Association

https://www.historians.org/publications-and-directories/perspectives-on-history/february-2016/whose-memory-whose-monuments-history-commemoration-and-the-struggle-for-an-ethical-past

"Named for the Enemy" from American Historical Association

https://www.historians.org/publications-and-directories/perspectives-on-history/summer-2020/named-for-the-enemy-the-us-armys-confederate-problem

Learning Concepts

“Connected Learning Guide: A Field-Tested Resource for Practitioners” by CLX

https://chicagolx.org/resources/connected-learning-guide