ORONO – Henry David Thoreau was not just another Maine tourist. The essays Thoreau wrote about his journeys and experiences in the Maine woods reflect a deep understanding of the spiritual importance of wilderness.

Thanks to a collaboration among the Thoreau-Wabanaki Trail committee, Maine Woods Forever and the University of Maine Press, a new generation of travelers can follow in the footsteps of the naturalist with the Thoreau-Wabanaki Trail Map and Guide.

The public is invited to learn more about the project 3-4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, when UM cartographer Michael Hermann and Penobscot Nation Tribal Historian James Francis visit Fogler Library’s Special Collections department.

Their topic, “The Process of Map Design: Equal Cartographic Voice,” will provide an opportunity to understand more about the trails taken by Thoreau and the Penobscot Indian guides who accompanied him, as well as the unique collaborative process that led to the map’s creation.

Previous maps simply drew a line plotting Thoreau’s route. Hermann created a map that locates his narrative within the landscape.

Readers literally “read” the map as they follow the routes and add Thoreau’s words.

Hermann said, “It is a genre known as mapping narrative. This piece developed into an example of ethical mapping concerning the restoration of native voice.”

Because Thoreau’s words dominated the map, Hermann was challenged to bring a native voice to the project. His work with James Frances, Penobscot tribal historian, broadened the scope of the map to include Penobscot place names in addition to a selection of Thoreau’s quotes specific to his Indian guides.

“One of Thoreau’s biggest contributions to Penobscot history was the documentation of Penobscot place names,” Francis said. “Thoreau once wrote in his journals that ‘the Indian language reveals another wholly new life to us.’ By having contact with Penobscot men, Thoreau discovered a new, more informed view of Native Americans, moving from his naive assumptions to an understanding that included respect and reverence.”

Copies of the map will be available for purchase at the event. Refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public.