Research Materials
(Under Construction)
Research Library
Where Stories Live Beyond the Tour
The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire’s Research Library offers a growing collection of resources for exploring African American history in the Granite State. Here you’ll find virtual tours, archival materials, and curated items available in our library to deepen your understanding of the people, places, and stories that shape our shared heritage.
Searchable Database
Investigate the many historical records BHTNH has collated over time throughout our ongoing research to promote awareness and appreciation of African American history and culture in the Granite State.
Resources
BHTNH Library
The Black Heritage Trail of NH has a variety of books available to read in our Conference Room.
Book list coming soon!
Good Friday Walk of Portsmouth
Ona Marie Judge in Portsmouth
This is an abbreviated version of our full Ona Judge Tour. Visit the Sankofa Guided Tours page to register for the full walking tour.
We Were Never Mean to Survive by Rodger martin, Skye Stephenson, Linda Warren and Gail Zachariah
Community Poem
Why Resignation by Roy Goodman
Community Poem
“I Was a Slave, Even Here in New Hampshire” The Concord Black Heritage Tour
The 45-minute video presents sites and notable African Americans from Concord’s founding until recent times.
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Upcoming Events
Ona Judge Day Tour
Sankofa Scholar & Tour Guide: Sonya Arroyo
In 2022, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu signed a bill that declared May 21 st to be Ona Judge Day. The declaration honors that day in 1796 on which Ona Maria Judge Staines left the residence of President George and Martha Washington in Philadelphia, boarded a ship to Portsmouth, and lived a long and dignified life in New Hampshire, free, but a fugitive.
On this special Ona Judge Day Tour, you will hear the true story of a young woman’s quest for freedom. See the waterfront where Ona landed and visit the Portsmouth properties of some of America’s most famous families - the Langdons, Warners, and Lears - whose stories are also bound to her incredible journey.
Meeting Place: BHTNH Headquarters | 222 Court Street, Portsmouth, NH.
Ona Judge Mural Unveiling
In 2023, the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire unveiled plans to paint a mural of Ona Marie Judge Staines on its Portsmouth, New Hampshire, headquarters. As part of a local History Through Art initiative, the Black Heritage Trail will honor Staines, who bravely escaped the bonds of slavery in the late 1700s. While not yet a household name, Staines’ story is one of courage and self-determination that historians are working to share with the public. The Trail is working with artist Manuel Ramirez of Positive Street Art to create the mural. Below see the process that we came to decide on the mural's imagery, how Ona Judge would be portrayed, and how we would ensure the artwork reflected historical reality of the time period in which Ona Judge lived. The mural will be unveiled on Saturday, May 23, 2026. The event will feature guest speakers and a reception with refreshments provided. Read more about the mural project here.
Preserve Black History in New Hampshire