Author(s): Chelsea Jocelyn
Mentor(s): Julia Combs
Institution SUU
Dedicatory plaques and monuments have a powerful influence on how we remember history, serving as visible symbols of shared identity and values. However, the language used in these inscriptions is often misleading, creating stories that hide violent events and present false or incomplete versions of the past. My paper examines the ways these commemorations distort history, focusing on how they silence marginalized voices and reinforce dominant cultural views. The analysis highlights two examples related to the 1866 Circleville Massacre, where Paiute men, women, and children were killed by settlers. First, I look at the Circleville Massacre Historical Marker, an official plaque that describes the massacre as a defensive act during the Black Hawk War. This description downplays the tragic and unfair nature of the event, using softer words and leaving out key details to shift blame away from the settlers. It portrays the settlers as victims and reinforces a narrative of progress and settlement, which often glorifies colonization while ignoring its harmful impacts. Second, I examine an Oral History Monument based on the account of Jimmy Timmican of the Koosharem Band. This story offers a much more direct and personal view of the violence, describing the terror experienced by Paiutes and the actions taken by settlers. Unlike the official marker, this version does not avoid or sugarcoat the truth. Instead, it emphasizes the voices of those affected and challenges the cleaner, less truthful accounts of history that are often promoted by institutions. By comparing these two monuments, I explore how misleading language, such as using vague or softened terms and leaving out important facts, can hide the truth and protect those responsible for harmful actions. These practices not only distort history but also erase the voices of Indigenous people and other groups that have been wronged. My paper looks closely at how these choices shape cultural identity and asks whether it is ethical to use plaques and monuments in ways that prioritize harmony and pride over truth and accountability. Finally, I argue for more honest and inclusive ways of remembering history that include all perspectives. This is important not only to create a better understanding of the past but also to address the ongoing impacts of historical injustices and create a fairer future.