Memorial to Commemorate Isles of Shoals Discovery

A memorial to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the Isles of Shoals by John Smith is being planned for Ragged Neck at Rye Harbor State Park.

The New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation, Bureau of Historic Sites, is seeking authorization from Gov. Maggie Hassan and the Executive Council on July 16 to accept donations for the construction of the memorial.

The request from the state agency, which is part of the state Department of Resources and Economic Development, is to accept monetary and in-kind donations totaling $41,198.50. It also would authorize spending $27,705.50 for the manufacture of the monument and associated benches and a bronze map plaque.

Mae Bradshaw of Rye Beach and Geraldine and Michael Mittelman of Rye each donated $5,000. 

Swenson Granite Works is donating $24,710.50 in in-kind granite work. SLX LLC of Rye has a $4,800 in-kind donation for site work. Redimix Companies has a $1,188 in-kind donation for concrete.

Swenson Granite Works is to be contracted with for the monument and benches totaling $24,710.50, while Saymore Trophy of Concord is to be paid $2,995 for the bronze map plaque, according to the contract before governor and council.

Mae Br