The Black New England Conference began in 2006 as a conversation between Professor David Watters of the University of New Hampshire and JerriAnne Boggis, then Director of Community Outreach and Engagement at the University. Together, they recognized a significant gap in scholarship and public understanding of Black history in Northern New England. At the time, much of the academic focus centered on Boston and Southern New England, leaving the rich and complex histories of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont largely unexplored.

The inaugural conference, Life, History, and Community in Maine, New Hampshire & Vermont, brought together scholars, researchers, students, and community members to begin documenting and sharing these overlooked stories. As interest grew, so did the conference. In 2009, it expanded to include all six New England states with the theme New England: Beyond Black & White, creating a regional forum for scholarship, dialogue, and community engagement.

Another milestone came in 2019, when the conference partnered with Southern New Hampshire University and became a signature program of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire. Since then, the conference has continued to grow in scope and impact, bringing together historians, artists, educators, activists, students, and community leaders from across the region to explore the Black experience in New England and its enduring influence on American history.

Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Black New England Conference remains the region's premier gathering dedicated to advancing scholarship, preserving history, and inspiring conversations that shape a more just and inclusive future.