Place is an important part of how we construct our identities,
which is why it’s no surprise that three of our nominees in this
category seek to explore it (the other two are Conveyer
and Minneapolis Observer Quarterly). Of the three,
New England Watershed casts an
exceptionally wide lens on a variety of questions pertaining to
regional identity. Each issue of the magazine focuses on one
theme-food and farming, mental health, Interstate 91-and examines
it through a variety of cultural and historical perspectives.
Indeed, New England Watershed reads like a toolbox of
ideas-and it’s supposed to, says Russell Powell, the editor and
publisher. He views the influx of locally focused publications as a
hopeful sign that more people may look to regional identities to
articulate common ground with folks from other parts of the
country. This sort of approach, he says, will contribute to more
complex debates at the national level: ‘You have to know who you
are and what you believe in before you can really engage.’
Subscriptions: $33.75/yr. (6 issues); 413/247-3201;
www.newenglandwatershed.com.
Other Winners:
