Exhibits, galleries, theater and more: Seacoast arts and culture news

Black Heritage Trail of NH presents 2024 Sankofa Guided Walking Tours 

PORTSMOUTH — Portsmouth Black History tours have been going on for 30 years. The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire (BHTNH) expanded these tours state-wide seven years ago. Known for sharing a truer, more inclusive history of New Hampshire, BHTNH’s 2024 tour season kicks off with a special “Ona Judge Day” tour on Tuesday, May 21, at 2 pm. Afterward, guided tours are on Saturdays and Sundays from May 25 - Nov. 3. Beyond the addition of the “Ona Judge Day” - two other new “Living History Tours” will feature both Prince Whipple and the 1779 Petition for Freedom and Jack Staines, the “blackjack” seafarer who married Ona Judge. And, a Dover Tour has been added to the lineup. For a complete list, visit https://blackheritagetrailnh.org/sankofa-guided-walking-tours-2/

The 2024 series includes 17 different tours with topics including NH’s involvement slave trade, the early Black community and economy, Black soldiers in the Revolutionary War, and Harriet Wilson, the first African American novelist - who published in 1859. Beyond Portsmouth, guided walking tours will take place in Exeter, Milford, Dover, Hancock, Warner, NH, and Kittery, ME. They are led by expert guides who are trained in BHTNH’s Sankofa approach - literally “reaching back to get it.” Sankofa Scholars are well versed on the history and culture of African Americans, and pursue a deeper understanding of racism grounded in historical research.

Important Tour Information

Unless otherwise stated, all guided tours start at 2 p.m., at 222 Court Street. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure time. If you do not arrive by five minutes before departure time, your spot may be given to another participant. Tours typically take 90 minutes. Registration is required prior to taking tours. If you have not pre-registered, and if there is space available, we will register you onsite to join the tour. There is a maximum of 20 participants per tour. Cost: $20 per person; $15 (with ID) for Seniors & Military; $10 for Students.

‘Shaker Harmony’ concert at St. John’s Episcopal Church

PORTSMOUTH — On May 19 at 3 p.m., St. John’s Episcopal Church, 101 Chapel Street, Portsmouth, presents “Shaker Harmony,” a concert celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Shakers in America. The choirs of St. John’s will be joined by New England composer Kevin Siegfried, who has devoted much of his career to raising awareness of Shaker musical traditions. The concert is offered in support of Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village (New Gloucester, Maine), and the Choir School at St. John’s. Admission is $30 suggested donation and tickets are available to purchase online at www.stjohnsnh.org/shakers250  or at the door.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Exhibits, galleries, theater and more: Seacoast arts and culture news