Embracing Our History
From the docks of Portsmouth, where merchants engaged in the trans-Atlantic slave trade unloaded their cargo, to the northern border with Canada where many escaping captives found their first moment of freedom, the Granite State holds a multitude of stories that mark the milestones of its complex history.
For more than 300 years, the lives of African people and their descendants have been a part of New Hampshire’s history. Yet this African-American history has long been hidden in the shadows even though Black lives have been intermixing with White lives in highly personal ways.
The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire promotes awareness and appreciation of African American history and life in order to build more inclusive communities today. We believe that if we could embrace our shared history, we could heal racial anxiety and misunderstanding -- in our communities, our state and in this country.
The Trail offers five signature programs including:
- Our guided tours conducted by well-trained, experienced guides who have developed key strategies for sharing and interpreting conflicting histories. Our Sankofa Scholars bring to life the stories of African Americans for whom the Granite State is home.
- The Elinor Williams Hooker Tea Talks, a series of participatory lectures related to New Hampshire’s Black history and African American culture.
- An annual Juneteenth celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
- An annual reading of Frederick Douglass’ historic protest speech “What to the slave is your 4th of July” in communities across the state.
- The Black New England Conference, an annual 2-day gathering where academics, artists, activists, and community members share insights and research on Black experiences, past and present, in New England and beyond.
As we celebrate a people’s history of resilience, versatility and courage, we invite everyone to explore for themselves what our shared history means and bring that light into the present.
JerriAnne Boggis: Executive, Director BHTNH
Valerie Cunningham: Founding Member, PBHT
The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire
“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. It squarely centers Black life in early America, at a time when we as Americans need to be rewriting our history to do so.” - Jodi Picoult, New York Times best-selling author, Frommers’ Best Places 2021: Great Authors on Our America
BHTNH works to visibly honor and share a truer more inclusive history through exhibits, educational programs, curriculum development and tours that can change the way our country understands human dignity when it is free of historical stereotypes.
Mission
The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire promotes awareness and appreciation of African American history and life in order to build more inclusive communities today.
Vision
To celebrate a people's history of resilience, versatility, and courage.
Purpose
To promote awareness and appreciation of African American history and culture in New Hampshire through education and public programs including creating appropriate memorials at significant locations within the state.
Governance and Management
The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire is governed by a board of directors and managed by a full time paid executive director with assistance from a group of fifty dedicated volunteers.
Education
The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire provides a variety of learning experiences for adults and children. Offerings include school programs, guided tours, traveling programs, lectures, and workshops.
Nonprofit Information
The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire is an independent, nonprofit organization. The organization is a registered 501c 3 nonprofit; Taxpayer Identification Number 81-3921917.
