HISTORY OF THE SAACC
The Seacoast African American Cultural Center (SAACC), New Hampshire’s first black cultural center, was founded in August 2000 by local educator, Vernis M. Jackson with the assistance of area residents Geraldine Copeland and Cheryle Lawrence. Upon retiring from the Portsmouth School System Mrs. Jackson turned her full attention to establishing a cultural organization that would become the Seacoast African American Cultural Center.

A board of directors was formed consisting of three at large members and a representative from each of the nine founding organizations.

Bylaws were written and registered with the State of New Hampshire who recognized SAACC as a not for profit organization. Application was made to the IRS (and received) for 501 [c] 3 status.

Duly recognized as a non profit organization, SAACC’s board of directors petitioned the City of Portsmouth for use of space within the Connie Bean Community Center on Daniel Street. Approval was granted by the city, and preparations were made for opening in the fall of 2002.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony; from left are, Cheryle Lawrence, Geraldine Copeland,
Mayor Evelyn Sirrell, Vernis Jackson, Geraldine Palmer, and Hon. Laura Pantelakos

The Seacoast African American Cultural Center officially opened on October 6, 2002 with a lecture entitled “Quilts: The Underground Railroad Connection.” The lecture, presented by Dr. Gloria Bowens of Salem, MA focused on how slaves used quilts as a means of communication when attempting to escape from the south.

After Dr. Bowens lecture, Rev. Arthur Hilson of the New Hope Baptist Church, offered a prayer of dedication, Mayor Sirrell cut the ribbon and SAACC was declared to be officially open. The inaugural exhibit was one of quilts, some of which were heirlooms from local black families; others had been crafted by area quilters.

SAACC continued to present programs, events and exhibits at the Connie Bean Community Center (and other Portsmouth venues) until December 2008. When fire safety concerns became a priority at the Connie Bean, SAACC was forced to look for new quarters.

With assistance from the City of Portsmouth SAACC found a new home in the Discover Portsmouth Center in downtown Portsmouth in what had been the City Library. SAACC’s space would be the old children’s library which occupied three levels.

After some considerable rip-out, patch-work, painting and installation of new carpet, SAACC opened for its 9th anniversary season in June 2009.

Opening event in the newly renovated space was a book signing for local educator and author Royaline Edwards who spoke of, and read excerpts from her newly published book, “A Ribbon for Sammi.”

Book Signing
From left: Sheila Knight, Educator/Illustrator, reporter, Foster’s Daily Democrat, Royaline Edwards, Educator & Author.