The Enduring Legacy of Wentworth Cheswill

The Enduring Legacy of Wentworth Cheswill
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 5:30–6:30 PM
Portsmouth Historical Society, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth
John Herman offers a closer look at Wentworth Cheswill, a pioneering and often overlooked figure in early American history. An archaeologist, messenger rider, and the first person of African descent elected to public office in the United States, Cheswill’s life reflects a remarkable journey from enslavement to civic leadership. This talk highlights his lasting impact and the broader story of Black history in Revolutionary-era New England.
John Herman is an artist, educator, and performer whose work brings local history to life. His practice spans visual art and improvisational theatre, and he has been featured in NH PBS’s Granite State Challenge as part of its America250 programming. He is the author of Wentworth Cheswill’s Ride: Chasing a Would-Be American Folk Hero.
𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧:
SBM and PHS members $15; Nonmembers $20.
𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬:
The Revolutionary Portsmouth Lecture Series is a collaborative program between Strawbery Banke Museum and Portsmouth Historical Society, presented in conjunction with each organization’s 2026 exhibition, Revolutionary Portsmouth. Through a series of engaging talks, historians and scholars explore the people, events, and everyday experiences that shaped Portsmouth during the American Revolution and its lasting legacy.
Lectures rotate between Strawbery Banke Museum and Portsmouth Historical Society. Please note the location for each program when registering.
Admission per lecture is: SBM and PHS members $15; Nonmembers $20.
Buy 3 full-price tickets, get additional tickets 25% off with code REV250.