The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire (BHTNH) invites the public to attend the unveiling of this historic marker in Milford as part of our statewide program, Mapping Untold Stories. This program makes visible New Hampshire’s Black history and brings to light the rich history and contributions of Black people in the state.

The Milford marker honors Harriet Wilson, the first African American to publish a novel in English. Her book, “Our Nig,” or Sketches from the Life of a Free Black, was published in 1859 and is the first novel published by a Black woman in the world.

The marker will be unveiled during a public event at Milford Town Hall with a play about Wilson written by JerriAnne Boggis and Gloria Henry. The play is produced by Najee Brown of Theatre for the People. The event also includes speakers, the unveiling ceremony, an exhibit by the Milford Historical Society, and refreshments.

Harriet E. Wilson was born a free person of color in 1825 but family circumstances led to her becoming an indentured servant from age 7 until age 18.  In 1982 Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr. republished Wilson’s novel and returned it to public memory. Members of the Harriet Wilson Project in Milford erected a statue by artist Fern Cunningham commemorating Wilson in 2006.