The Milford Observer had a front page article this week that announced that JerriAnne Boggis was named the 2007 winner of the Women's Recognition Award by the New Hampshire Commission on the Status of Women.Ms. Boggis won the award for her tenacious efforts to raise awareness of Milford resident Harriet Wilson (1825-1900). Wilson was the first black woman to publish a novel in the United States. Her semi-autobiographical novel "Our Nig; or Sketches From the Life of A Free Black" was published in 1859.
Ms. Boggis was the driving force behind the Harriet Wilson Project which was initially set up to simply promote the study of Harriet Wilson, but morphed into much more. The group decided to commission an ambitious statue of Harriet Wilson for display in Milford. They did extensive fund-raising and promotion for the project, and they held a very moving dedication ceremony on November 6, 2006.
This award couldn't go to nicer person. I don't know her myself, but I did attend a talk that she gave to the Milford Historical Society, and I attended the dedication ceremony. I was very impressed by her at both events, and it is obvious that she is committed to making a positive difference in New Hampshire.
She is scheduled to receive the award from the Governor and the Executive Council on September 19th.
Thank you JerriAnne for being such a dedicated and noble soul. You have helped to improve the heritage of Milford. It is people like you that make this such a wonderful community.
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