Sununu To Present Memorial Chair to Honor Milford Native

MILFORD, NH — Gov. Chris Sununu, R-NH, will present the “Harriet E. Wilson Memorial Chair” to the Wadleigh Memorial Library on Wednesday, March 15 at 10 a.m., according to a press release. Harriet Wilson was born in Milford on March 15, 1852, and became the first African American to publish a novel in the United States.

"New Hampshire is proud to celebrate Hattie Wilson’s trailblazing accomplishments and inspirational life story by honoring her legacy with this memorial chair," said Sununu.

Dan and Renee Plummer of Portsmouth sponsored the making of the chair, which was handmade by Doug Dimes of D.R. Dimes American Furniture in Northwood.

“As soon as I learned of Hattie Wilson I knew we should honor her life in a way that connected people and educated future generations of her remarkable story,” said Renee Plummer. "Libraries are a wonderful centerpiece for New Hampshire communities and the perfect place to preserve this author's legacy.”

“I hope other libraries around the state replicate this memorial," she said.

The presentation of the chair is open to the public. The library will post any weather-related time changes on their Facebook page on Wednesday.