Connecticut Geographic Names Authority

The Connecticut Geographic Names Authority reviews geographic name applications received by the US Board on Geographic Names (USBGN), of the U.S. Geological Survey. 

The mission of the committee is to conduct names research and canvas local stakeholders for input on pending geographic names applications. We then meet to review all the available information, and make a recommendation to the USBGN. Recommendations are to be consistent with USBGN naming policies.

Our recommendations are either to endorse, oppose, or defer until additional information that would impact the decision can be acquired. The USBGN makes the final determination for geographic names applications.

Geographic names convey much more than a place identifier. They communicate the history of people, places, and culture, and are critical aspects of both our identity and our legacy. They also serve a very practical purpose in society relative to mapping, communications, land use, and emergency management.    

The Connecticut Geographic Names Authority is chaired by the Connecticut State Geologist.  Membership includes State agency representatives, research specialists, and mappers.  Applications are reviewed and discussed by all members of the committee. Annual meetings are held in the fall, and at other times as required. The entire review process is very thorough, and typically takes several months.

The Connecticut Geographic Names Authority is a member of the U.S. Council of Geographic Names Authorities https://www.cogna50usa.org an association of officially recognized state and federal agencies working toward standardization of official geographic names across the country.

Search for an existing geographic name

Connecticut Geographic Names Authority
Committee Membership 2023

Meghan Seremet, Connecticut State Geologist, Chair
Meghan.Seremet@ct.gov

Sarah Sportman PhD, Connecticut State Archaeologist
sarah.sportman@uconn.edu

Tasha Caswell, Digitization Lab Manager, Connecticut Historical Society
tasha_caswell@chs.org

Danielle Moyer, PhD., Emergency Management Program Specialist, Hazard Mitigation Officer, DEMHS
Danielle.Moyer@ct.gov

Brian Florek, Chief Surveyor, DEEP
brian.florek@ct.gov

Geospatial Information Systems Manager, Connecticut Military
vacant

Eric Lindquist, Planning Specialist, DPH
eric.k.lindquist@ct.gov

Edith Pestana, Environmental Justice Program, DEEP
edith.pestana@ct.gov

Susan Bigelow, Reference Librarian, Connecticut State Library
susan.bigelow@ct.gov

Content last updated September, 2023