Although our state is well-known for its importance in national politics and its wonderful fall foliage, little is known about its place at the genesis of Black American women's fiction. We would like your help to change that by contributing to the much-awaited unveiling on November 4, 2006, of a statue dedicated to Harriet Wilson, "the Mother of the African American novel."

Harriet Wilson holds several two distinctions. She was the first Black woman in the world to publish a novel. Secondly, she was a native of New Hampshire.Wilson showed great courage and strength of character when she published her autobiographical novel, Our Nig, in 1859, at a time when the prevailing opinion was that Blacks were "incapable of such refinements." Not only did she surpass expectations, but she dared to pen a novel that rebuked the mistreatment of Blacks by groups who were supposed to champion the cause of anti-slavery.

As the directors of the Center for New England Culture and the Harriet Wilson Project, we invite you to join the ranks of the eminent scholar, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., who has long-championed efforts and done much to promote interest in the life of Harriet Wilson and other prominent Black figures in American history.

The Harriet Wilson Project is in the final stages of their work to create and install a life-size sculpture, by the distinguished African American sculptor, Fern Cunningham, in Milford, to honor Wilson for her work and accomplishments. This monument, once installed, will be the first in New Hampshire to honor a person of color. Not only will this sculpture confirm the state's diverse history, but it will visually expand our country's narrative by reviving part of its forgotten Black history. It is our hope that this addition to American and our state's history will, like the election primaries, continue our reputation as "First" in the nation.

President Kennedy once said, "A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers." With your help we can restore Harriet Wilson to an honored place in New Hampshire's history and make visible the ideals upon which our country stands that of the triumph of the human spirit.The project has raised $100, 000 toward the creation of the Wilson Memorial and needs to raise the final $10,000 in the next few weeks.

Please help them reach their goal by making a tax deductible contribution to the Harriet Wilson Project, 614 Nashua St, #121, Milford, NH 03055, or you can contribute on line.