Dek: New exhibits, public art, and statewide programming deepen the visibility of Black history in a state where it is often erased.
Brief: New Hampshire’s leading Black cultural institutions are expanding their public‑facing work in 2025–2026. The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire is unveiling a major mural honoring Ona Judge, the formerly enslaved woman who escaped George Washington and lived free in Portsmouth. The project is part of a broader effort to embed Black history into the state’s public spaces.
Meanwhile, the Seacoast African American Cultural Center (SAACC) is marking its 25th anniversary with new exhibitions, including Crown, a celebration of Black hair, identity, and cultural expression. SAACC is also expanding its Juneteenth programming and educational partnerships with schools and community groups.
These initiatives come at a time when debates over curriculum, book bans, and the teaching of race have intensified across New England. Cultural institutions say their work is essential to countering erasure and strengthening community belonging.
Why It Matters for Black & POC Communities: In a state where Black residents are often rendered invisible, public art and cultural institutions provide affirmation, historical grounding, and community connection. They also challenge statewide narratives that exclude or minimize Black presence and contributions.