City Council recognizes Dover400 for yearlong anniversary celebration

posted on 1/29/2023

The Dover400 committee received recognition from the Dover City Council on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, for its work organizing events and activities to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Dover last year. Dover is New Hampshire's first permanent European settlement.

Mayor Robert Carrier praised the committee's tireless planning over the four years leading up to the 2023 anniversary. 

"The strength of the Dover 400 board was its ability to be creative and mobilize small groups, volunteers to do great things," Carrier said.

Dover400 Chair Kevin McEneaney thanked the Mayor, City Council, committee members, city staff, and volunteers for making the celebration a success despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Our goals for the celebration were simple — engage our community, reflect on our past, celebrate our unique and diverse cultures, and create legacy projects that would speak to Dover's bright future," McEneaney said. "We had no idea we would be able to accomplish this, but we did."

The committee organized numerous free public events, from lectures to block parties and a parade. The group also worked to accurately retell the city's history through a series of books, recorded oral histories, and engaged local artists to create commemorative works.

Vice Chair Sam Allen noted a two-week summer celebration "filled with fun community gatherings, historical re-enactments, family events, music and love."

The committee also unveiled a model sculpture titled "River Roots" by Durham artist Andrea Bowen, which will be installed at Dover's planned waterfront park at the site of the ongoing waterfront development. The sculpture, which will be 16 feet tall, depicts a ship's hull with roots extending into the river, signifying the importance of Dover's waterways.

McEneaney closed by thanking the community for its support. 

"Our legacy is not just history. It is warmth, spirit, affection," he said. "We feel all of this for the community we call home."