Duston Island Task Force debates Hannah Duston wording, sends three interpretive panels to state review

Chair Lorrie Carey called the Duston Island Task Force to order July 13 and the group moved quickly into a review of draft interpretive panels and historical marker language related to Hannah Duston and the island that bears her name.

The Task Force approved, by roll call, the minutes of June 29 before turning to draft text submitted by the Boscawen Historical Society, the Duston family and the Pouliots. Gary Waters moved — and the group approved — a motion to submit three panel drafts (Northern Railroad, Commercial Street Mill Yard and Stratton Mill) to the Division of Historical Resources for Nadine Miller’s review. The roll call tally on that motion recorded all present voting yes.

Why it matters: the panels and marker will guide public interpretation of contested local history and decide which details appear on site. Task Force members emphasized clear source attribution on each panel, the addition of headers and the possible use of QR codes linking to extended material.

Debate over the Hannah Duston panel centered on factual phrasing and tone. Denise Pouliot pressed for numerical clarity, saying “the majority of those killed were children,” and asked the group to quantify casualties on both sides and clarify that the group killed was not the captors. Members also discussed whether Samuel Lennardson should be described as a “prior captive” or as someone who had rejoined the local indigenous community; Denise said Lennardson’s status needed clarification. Mason Donovan proposed using the word “daring” in place of “desperate,” while Gary Waters argued the original adjective reflected the historical account. Josiah Morrow said he would bring suggested edits back to his Executive Committee and would not approve changes without that review.

Task Force members also debated language for an Indigenous-focused panel. Denise Pouliot recommended using the title “The Indigenous Presence” and including alternate names where appropriate; the group discussed listing “Haudenosaunee” in parentheses after the more familiar term “mohawk” so readers recognize both forms. Paul Pouliot urged a balanced presentation and cautioned against appearing to “pick sides.”

On technical matters, Chair Carey noted the town could pursue local fabrication: Merrimack County’s woodworking shop might produce housings while a graphic artist would prepare panel artwork. Members flagged permitting needs if the town develops park improvements on the island, noting potential NHDES review because of proximity to the river.

Votes and next steps: the Task Force recorded several unanimous roll-call actions — approval of prior minutes; approval to submit the three panel drafts to the Division of Historical Resources; a recess and site walk to Duston Island; reconvening after the site walk; and an adjournment at 6:53 p.m. Action items assigned included returning edited panel drafts to the group, graphing marker language into the template, and Josiah bringing Executive Committee feedback on the Hannah Duston draft. The Task Force set its next meeting for August 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

The meeting minutes were submitted by Katie Phelps.