Black Heritage

In the mid-18th century, slavery was a fixture in Exeter, New Hampshire. After the Revolution, the number of Exeter residents who were enslaved dropped to two (two too many), but that didn’t make the town a friendly place — socially or economically — for its free Black community. In this episode, Barbara looks at a couple of the ways in which Exeter's Black residents helped one another create better lives.

Chinese Students at Phillips Exeter Academy

In 1872, China sent 120 boys to the United States in hopes that they would be accepted into the U. S. military academies. Nine of these boys ended up at Phillips Exeter Academy for a short time. In this Exeter History Minute, we focus on the Chinese students' experience in our town, until their government pulled the plug on the program and called the students back.

Chinese Businessmen in Exeter

Though small, Exeter’s Asian heritage has been part of our story since the 1880s. In this episode, Barbara introduces some of the earliest Chinese residents of Exeter, New Hampshire, and discusses some of their contributions to the town.

Jude Hall

Slavery was a “thing" in 18th century New Hampshire. Exeter has a number of interesting stories of people born into slavery — and their free black counterparts — in the early years of our history. In this episode, Barbara explores the story of Jude Hall, who, though born a slave, fought in the American Revolution and became a respected Exeter citizen.

In 1869, nine-year old Black student Madora Bailey signed her name in the Robinson Female Seminary registration book, and ten years later, she was a member of the (small) Class of 1879. In this episode, Barbara explores Dora's journey from young girl to accomplished teacher and wife of Delaware State University President William C. Jason.

Wheelwright Deed

On April 3, 1638, Rev. John Wheelwright signed a deed with the Squamscott tribesmen, effectively creating the Town of Exeter, New Hampshire. Were you aware, however, that the deed left the town for a number of years, only to find its way back 300 years later? Tune into our latest episode of the Exeter History Minute to learn more about the Wheelwright Deed!

James Whitfield

April is National Poetry Month and we are celebrating the life and poetry of Exeter-native James Monroe Whitfield. In this episode, Barbara explores the life of this man who, though named after a slave-holding president, expressed through powerful verse his fundamental belief in the injustice of slavery.