PORTSMOUTH — On Friday, June 13, the Portsmouth community gathered with Laurel Yancy, a descendant of Dinah Chase Whipple to unveil a headstone to mark the grave of this woman who founded the first school for Black children in New Hampshire that operated from 1808 to 1846. She was believe buried next to her husband Prince Whipple in North Cemetery in Portsmouth and the ceremony marked that spot.

 

In a program hosted by Deputy City Manager Suzanne Woodland, speakers included Royaline Edwards, Councilor Kate Cook, Black Heritage Trail of NH Executive Director JerriAnne Boggis, Page Trace (representing theNational Society of Colonial Dames of America in NH which contributed to the creation and installation of the headstone), and descendant Laurel Yancy who did the unveiling. Rev. Jennifer Mazur from North Church gave the invocation and benediction.

 

Dinah Chase Whipple, the woman we recognize today, was born into slavery in 1760, enslaved by Reverend Steven Chase of New Castle. She became known in her own lifetime for her community service, and for her pioneering efforts in education. She opened the first Ladies Charitable African School for Black Children in New Hampshire. An active abolitionist, she played a significant role in the lives of the emancipated, and those still enslaved people of New Hampshire. While growing up as the Chase family's servant, Dinah learned to read and write, an uncommon opportunity for a girl then, whether enslaved or free. Her literacy proved vital in supporting her husband’s cause and advancing their fight for freedom.

On her 21st birthday, Dinah Chase was granted her freedom. On that same day, she married Prince Whipple, a Revolutionary War veteran, and one of 20 enslaved men who created the 1779 Petition for Freedom, a significant historical document. The headstone unveiling ceremony program is to honor Dinah Chase Whipple, a highly respected and influential Black woman of her time.

Laurel Yancey and Tonya Ward Singer, a descendant of William Whipple, owner of Prince Whipple met in 2022 and with Black Heritage Trail founder Valerie Cunningham began the research which led to the headstone placement.  All three were joined by City representatives, members of the City's Cemetery Committee, Black Heritage Trail of NH, Seacoast African American Cultural Center and others.