John Hodgson has been busy since the publication of his new book on the life of Richard Potter, Potter Place’s namesake. On May 5, he will present a program entitled “Discovering Richard Potter’s Life Story: Doing History in New Hampshire Archives” at the annual meeting of the NH Historical Society. The book will be available for purchase at the meeting, and Hodgson will sign copies.
On April 10, Hodgson was featured in a half hour interview on National Public Radio’s “1A” which airs on public radio stations throughout the US. A recording of the show can be found on the show’s website: www.The1A.org/Audio.
Hodgson was also interviewed on local cable TV channel YCN’s “Kearsarge Chronicle” by host and producer Lynn Solomon. That interview can be viewed at: ycnnow.com/2018/03/08/the-kearsarge-chronicle-with-john-hodgson-author-of-richard-potter-americas-first-black-celebrity.
Richard Potter lived in Andover with his family in the early 1800’s and was known throughout the United States in his day as a magician, ventriloquist and entertainer. Hodgson’s book, “Richard Potter: America’s First Black Celebrity” was published earlier this year. Copies are available for sale online and in bookstores and can be borrowed at the Andover Libraries.