About Us
The stories we haven’t heard shape the connections we’re missing. Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire brings those stories to life, helping us uncover a more complete and truthful history. From walking tours led by our expert Sankofa Scholars to interactive events and self-guided explorations, every experience inspires understanding, belonging, and action. Join us in creating bonds of understanding for stronger, more inclusive communities.
Upcoming Events
Ona Judge Day Tour
Sankofa Scholar & Tour Guide: Sonya Arroyo
On this special Ona Judge Day Tour, you will hear the true story of a young woman's quest for freedom. See the waterfront where Ona landed and visit the Portsmouth properties of some of America's most famous families - the Langdons, Warners, and Lears - whose stories are also bound to her incredible journey.
In 2022, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu signed a bill that declared May 21 st to be Ona Judge Day. The declaration honors that day in 1796 on which Ona Maria Judge Staines left the residence of President George and Martha Washington in Philadelphia, boarded a ship to Portsmouth, and lived a long and dignified life in New Hampshire, free, but a fugitive.
Meeting Place: BHTNH Headquarters | 222 Court Street, Portsmouth, NH.
Ona Judge Mural Unveiling
She Claimed Her Freedom. Now We Make Her Seen.
May 23, 2026 | Portsmouth, NH
On May 23, 2026, Ona Judge Staines will rise—larger than life—on the streets of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
More than two centuries after her courageous self-emancipation from the household of George and Martha Washington, Ona’s story will no longer live quietly in the margins of history. It will stand boldly, publicly, and permanently—painted into the landscape where she claimed her freedom.
This mural, created by acclaimed artist Manuel Ramirez of Positive Street Art, is part of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire’s 5 to Know initiative. But this is more than a work of art.
It is an act of truth-telling.
At a time when the full story of our nation’s past is being debated, challenged, and too often diminished, this project says something more powerful: that sharing stories like Ona’s is essential. We are not simply remembering history. We are reclaiming it.
This unveiling marks a transformation from a hidden narrative to a shared public memory.
Join us on Saturday, May 23, at 2 PM at 222 Court Street for the official unveiling and celebration. The program will include guest speakers and a reception featuring Pulitzer Prize finalist and author Erica Armstrong Dunbar, whose work has helped bring Ona Judge’s story to national prominence.
Step into history and leave your footprint. Experience a commemorative celebration with food, music, poetry, and community.
This is more than an unveiling. This is history in the making.
Lives Bound Together: The Washingtons & Ona Marie Judge in NH
Sankofa Scholar & Tour Guide: Sonya Arroyo
During President George Washington’s final months in office, a woman named Ona Marie Judge was enslaved in the household of the First Family. In the spring of 1775, she sought her freedom, escaping from the Washingtons' executive mansion in Philadelphia with the aid of that city’s free Black community and making her way to Portsmouth. On this tour, you will hear the true story of Judge’s quest for freedom and the President’s relentless efforts to get her back. See the waterfront where she lands and visit the properties of some of America’s most famous families: the Langdons, Whipples, and Lears, whose stories were also bound to hers.
Meeting Place: BHTNH Headquarters | 222 Court Street, Portsmouth, NH.
Tours
Tour Historic Sites
Sankofa Scholar Guided Walking Tours
Discover the real, unbiased history with one of our signature guided tours conducted by a well-trained, experienced guide.
Self-Guided Tours
Take a self-guided audio tour to learn about Portsmouth’s Black heritage, right on your phone.
Expanded Walking Tours
Expanded walking tours extend beyond Portsmouth to historic locations across New England.
Virtual Tours
Experience New Hampshire's Black history from the comfort of your home.
Private Tours
Looking for a more personalized experience? Request a guided tour for your group.
Programs
More Than Just a Trail
Black New England Conference
Juneteenth Celebration
Elinor Williams Hooker Tea Talks Series
Frederick Douglas Statewide Readings
The Black Matter is Life Poetry Series
Spring Symposium
Explore
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Marker Sites
Visit Black history marker sites throughout New Hampshire.
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NH Black History Stories
Read about little known historic figures from New Hampshire's African American community.
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Educational Resources
Engage with materials for educators, students, and families to facilitate learning about Black history.
Sobering and eye-opening, the Black Heritage Trail forces us to question those we have traditionally considered heroes, and to elevate those who have been marginalized instead.
Preserve Black History in New Hampshire