Since its inception in October 2017, the board and executive director of the BHTNH, JerriAnne Boggis, have had the goal of creating a space to share the history of New Hampshire’s African American heritage, as well as a place to house the administrative offices for the organization.
Having 222 Court Street for a home for the BHTNH, is, according to board President Reverend Robert Thompson, the culmination of the extraordinary roots of Valerie Cunningham’s work to bring a more authentic interpretation of history. Cunningham founded the Portsmouth Black History Trail in 1995 and is one of the year’s PPmTV Inspiration Award winners for her work in the community.
In the spring of 2017, BHTNH initiated an earnest, ten-month search for a property in historic downtown Portsmouth to serve as offices, as well as a visitors and interpretive center. In March of 2018 the Board of Directors entered into a purchase and sale agreement for the building at 222 Court Street. Among the many benefits of this location is the proximity to the African Burial Ground, the location where all Sankofa walking tours of the Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail conclude.
222 Court Street was constructed in 1749 and served as parsonage to the Reverend Arthur Browne, the first Rector of Queen’s Chapel, now St. John’s Episcopal Church. Two “negro males” were enslaved at this property who were bequeathed – one each – to Rev. Browne’s wife and nephew. This story is central to the city’s earliest African heritage and makes the property all the more significant as a place to interpret the forgotten stories of New Hampshire’s Black residents.
On May 1, 2019, the historic building at 222 Court Street will have an official blessing by Rev. Thompson at 12 noon. This event is open to the public and will also include an informational session on the history of the building.
On May 2, 2019, there will be a Founding Donors reception, hosted by the Board of Directors.Founding Donors are invited to attend this event hosted by the Board of Directors at the new office location at 222 Court Street.
On Friday, May 3, 2019, from 5 – 7 pm as part of Art ‘Round Town, there will be an opening and reception featuring Graphic Novel Artist Joel Christian Gill. He will discuss his exhibit, “Fast Enough,” which will be on display through July at the BHTNH offices.
On May 4th, the BHTNH will hold its 2019 Spring Symposium entitled Emancipation & the 13th Amendment: The Legacy of Enslavement. The program will explore the legacy of enslavement and the psychological effects of centuries of systemic racism that have resulted in multigenerational adaptive behaviors that are detrimental and destructive to the nation. The program will also examine how varying levels of socially learned stress related issues were passed along through generations as a result of slavery. Through interactive dialogue with the presenters, participants will have an opportunity to unlock their own truths by critically evaluating history, medicine, science and education.
As part of the Spring Symposium, the BHTNH is offering a guided walking tour entitled Enslaved Bodies, Free Minds: The Making of a Black Community in Portsmouth, NH that will include the history of its new home.
Call 603-570-8469 for more information or send email.