The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire (BHTNH), in partnership with the Hampton Heritage Committee and the Lane Memorial Library, is excited to announce the unveiling of a historic marker honoring Dinah Small Burdoo in Hampton, NH. This will be the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire’s first commemorative marker in Hampton.
The unveiling ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 12, at 1 PM. The marker will be located at the entrance of the Lane Memorial Library, 2 Academy Ave, Hampton, NH. This marker is intentionally placed in a central location so that it can be seen by the public. This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will follow the unveiling ceremony.
Dinah Small Burdoo was one of the last surviving previously enslaved people in the town. In 1777, she married Caesar Small, a Revolutionary War veteran who died serving the cause. Dinah married again, in 1783, to Philip Burdoo (1738 -1806 ), who worked at Dearborn’s Tavern in Hampton. After Philip’s death, Dinah continued to live in a house just a few yards east of Centre School in Hampton. In her declining years, she was cared for in the home of Deacon John Lamprey with town funds. She died there at the age of 92. Esteemed for her great age and wisdom, a note in the Hampton Church record noted that she retained her powers of body and mind most perfectly. Not a professor, but serious, undoubtedly more worthy than many professors.
Preserve Black History in New Hampshire