During a routine manhole excavation in Portsmouth, N.H., in 2003, a baby blue drain pipe was discovered, at the foot of which were several human skeletons. After a work stoppage to call in local experts, the mystery was partially solved: They were the remains of eight individuals of African descent.
After the discovery, the site was officially deemed the Portsmouth African Burial Ground.
With the support of the majority white community and thanks to donations from area businesses, generous citizens, and the city itself, funds were raised to create a monument designed to foster education, reconciliation, and healing.
The project was ultimately awarded to Savannah-based multi-disciplinary artist Jerome B. Meadows.