Using New Hampshire's History to Connect Communities
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.
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.
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
Upcoming Events
Ain't She A Woman: Let Me Tell You Her Story
Sankofa Scholar & Tour Guide: Valerie Fagin
Can you imagine the hustle and bustle of a prosperous colonial seaport town?
Step into that world on this engaging walking tour that centers on the lives of African-born and African American women who shaped Portsmouth across generations.
Through powerful storytelling, you’ll encounter women who, despite enslavement and systemic racism, fought for justice, defied a sitting U.S. president, and educated generations of children—leaving a lasting mark on this community.
Walk the streets where their lives unfolded, hear their stories, and celebrate the resilience, courage, and determination revealed in our shared seacoast his/herstory.
Join the tour and experience the stories of women who helped shape Portsmouth
Meeting Place: BHTNH Headquarters | 222 Court Street, Portsmouth, NH.
Keene Marker Unveiling Honoring Dr. Albert C. Johnston
The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, in partnership with the Monadnock Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Coalition (MDEIB) and the Historical Society of Cheshire County, is pleased to announce the installation of a Black Heritage Trail of NH Historic Marker in Keene, New Hampshire, honoring Dr. Albert C. Johnston. This will be the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire’s first historic marker in Keene.
The unveiling ceremony will take place on Saturday, August 15th at 11 AM. The marker’s permanent location and unveiling celebration will be at 127 Washington Street, Keene, NH, on the site of Dr. Johnston’s former home and medical office. Light refreshments will be served after the unveiling ceremony. This event is free and open to the public; all are welcome.
Meet Jack Staines, a “Black Jack” in Historic Old Portsmouth
Sankofa Scholar & Tour Guide: Garrett Walker
Step onto Portsmouth’s waterfront and into the world of Black mariners who found both opportunity and uncertainty on the open sea.
Between 1740 and 1865, seafaring offered one of the few paths to independence for Black men, both enslaved and free. Some were forced into labor aboard ships, while others seized the chance to earn wages, travel the world, and claim a measure of freedom beyond the constraints of life on land.
On this immersive walking tour, you’ll encounter the story of Jack Staines, a Black mariner whose life intersected with one of the most remarkable freedom stories in American history—his wife, Ona Judge Staines, who escaped enslavement by George and Martha Washington.
As you move through Portsmouth’s historic streets and along its waterfront, you’ll experience the city through the eyes of those who lived between land and sea, navigating danger, opportunity, and the constant question of freedom. This is a story of risk, resilience, and the search for independence in a world that offered few safe harbors.
Join the tour and discover how the sea shaped the lives of Portsmouth’s Black mariners.
Meeting Place: BHTNH Headquarters | 222 Court Street, Portsmouth, NH.
Tours
Visit 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.
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.
Preserve Black History in New Hampshire