Meet New Hampshire's 5 to Know
About This Event
On Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM, the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire's '5 to Know' living-history program comes to downtown Portsmouth. Costumed interpreters portray five influential African Americans with deep New Hampshire ties: Revolutionary patriot and Newmarket selectman Wentworth Cheswell; the celebrated 19th-century magician Richard Potter; novelist Harriet Wilson, author of Our Nig; Black Patriot soldier Prince Whipple; and Ona Marie Judge, the enslaved woman who escaped George Washington's household and lived free in New Hampshire. The free outdoor event includes hands-on activities for children and ties into the unveiling of a new Ona Judge Staines mural by artist Manuel Ramirez of Positive Street Art.
📅 When
June 21, 2026
📍 Where
M&T Bank Parking Lot, 325 State Street, Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth, NH
💵 Price
Free
👤 Organizer
Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire
Connect with Organizer
Share This Event
Have a photo of this event? We’re using the Juneteenth flag as a placeholder.
Suggest a photo →What to expect at this Juneteenth event
Juneteenth events combine celebration, reflection, and community. Programming generally includes live performances, food, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to learn about the history of June 19, 1865 — when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally heard they were free. Most events welcome all ages and backgrounds; arriving early helps secure a good spot.
About Juneteenth in Portsmouth
Portsmouth, NH marks Juneteenth alongside hundreds of other US cities, with celebrations rooted in local Black history and shaped by the people, churches, and community organizations that have sustained the day for generations. Whether you’re attending your first Juneteenth or your fortieth, the goal is the same: gather, remember, and celebrate freedom together. Our directory currently lists 3 additional Juneteenth events in Portsmouth.
Other Juneteenth events in Portsmouth
Frequently asked questions
- When is Meet New Hampshire's 5 to Know?
- June 21, 2026. Confirm exact start times with the organizer (Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire) before traveling.
- Where is Meet New Hampshire's 5 to Know held?
- M&T Bank Parking Lot, 325 State Street, Portsmouth, NH, Portsmouth, NH. Check the event website for parking and accessibility details.
- Is this event free to attend?
- Yes. This Juneteenth event is free and open to the public. Some sub-events (food, vendor purchases, optional workshops) may have separate costs.
- What should I bring?
- Plan for outdoor weather. Bring sunscreen, water, comfortable shoes, a hat or umbrella, cash for vendors (some are cash-only), and a portable phone charger. If chairs aren’t provided, a foldable seat or blanket is useful.
- Is the event family-friendly?
- Most Juneteenth celebrations welcome all ages. Family-specific programming varies by event — many include kids’ zones, face painting, and family activities. Strollers are usually welcome at outdoor venues.