HB1664

Don't erase history, please!!

As a descendant of Hannah Duston, I write to oppose HB 1664 that would require removal of her statue in Boscawen. Hannah was captured by Indians during a raid in which 27 of her neighbors were killed and her newborn brutally murdered before her eyes. She was being transported as a captive to Quebec, where her fate may well have been slavery. Is it any wonder that she sought to escape and in the process to enact retribution for what she, her child and neighbors had suffered? This is history, not myth. If anything, our State needs more reminders of our colonial history, not less. A few years ago, a group of citizens, including several of Abenaki descent, proposed installing additional signage at the site to place Hannah's escape in a larger context by explaining colonial wars and Indian allegiances. For some reason, that constructive approach to history has not materialized, but the answer is not to destroy the statue, rather it is to revive the effort to make the site a place to learn both sides of the story. Sincerely, John M. Lord, Jr.

I am asking that the State of New Hampshire do not remove the monument of Hannah Duston in Boscawen. This monument is the first monument dedicated to a woman and is a story of survival. It is unfortunate that native Americans were killed and I do not condone the practice of “scalping” that is a focus of the story, however, the time in early America was difficult for all groups of people. I am requesting the committee consider keeping the monument in its present place and adding something that acknowledges the life and contributions of the Native American population. As a result of the discussion of the Hannah Duston monument in the square in Haverhill Massachusetts the compromise was to remove the hatchet from her hand on the monument so it was not so offensive in particular to our indigenous friends yet still acknowledge the event. There has been an increased effort in the United States to remove statues and monuments but I believe we should not attempt to change history because we are offended by specific events.. We cannot change history even though some of the events that occurred were definitely offensive before, during and after the birth of our nation but I also believe that we should acknowledge these events and develop ways to tell “both sides of the story”. Use the resources it would take to remove the monument in New Hampshire and work collaboratively with the Abenaki native Americans and others to acknowledge all groups with a similar monument, plaques, tours or other means. As a former teacher, Superintendent of Schools and a former Mayor of Portsmouth, together we should be teaching young people about all aspects of our history and focus on building “community”. I am hoping that the final decision of this committee will result in a positive outcome through bold leadership. Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony regarding HB1664. Robert J. Lister Portsmouth, New Hampshire