ABOUT SAACC
With concerts, educational programs, exhibits from notable artists, and valuable collections of African artifacts, the Seacoast African American Cultural Center (SAACC) has become the hub of activity to showcase the contributions of individuals of African descent in the seacoast community.

SAACC was founded by a former Portsmouth, NH Teacher, who had a desire for, and who saw a need for an organization that would increase visibility of the rich African-American culture that exists here in New England. Recognizing this need, SAACC was launched in 2000 with a coalition of members from various African American organizations in the seacoast area.

The mission of the Seacoast African American Cultural Center is to celebrate the lives and achievements of black people with emphasis on the unique story of African Americans in the Seacoast region, and to infuse all people, especially young people, with knowledge of and appreciation for the history and culture we all share.

SAACC has continuous collaborations with such educational institutions as the University of New Hampshire and McIntosh College in addition to collaborations with Portsmouth schools and other school systems within the seacoast. We have also cultivated working and cultural relationships with various organizations, business establishments and individuals which includes the Portsmouth Music Hall, the Currier Museum, local artists, poets and musicians. These collaborations and special relationships allow us to present quality programming and exhibits.

Our hope is that exposure to African American history not only informs, but will give ALL people an appreciation of our history and culture.

The SAACC Board members are:
Vernis M. Jackson, President
Kelvin Edwards, Vice-President/Treasurer
Patricia Wall, Secretary
Mary J. Bailey
Sandi Clark
Aaron Clifford
Renee’ Goins
Emerald Jackson
William Manful
Geraldine Palmer
Shawn Pelech
William Thorpe

Founding Organizations:
The Seacoast Men’s Friendship Group
Kwanza
New Hope Baptist Church
The Seacoast Branch NAACP
The Seacoast Martin Luther King, Jr. Coalition
The Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail
Triple 8 Travelers Lodge #32
The African American Resource Center
The Blues Banke Collective

Seacoast African American Cultural Center
Within the Discover Portsmouth Center
10 Middle St., Portsmouth NH 03801 USA
Tel: 603.430.6027

Hours of operation are 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays
and Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays