The Hampton Community Coalition

02/08/2026

Many businesses rely on tourist $ to make ends meet and so do their employees. Winter's lack of tourism creates extremely lean times for many.

12/20/2025

If you see something, say something.

She was beaten in silence—until one woman asked a question that changed the world.

In the dark, airless tenements of New York City in the 1870s,
a little girl cried where no one was meant to hear.

Her name was Mary Ellen Wilson.

Born in 1864, she lost her parents early and was placed with foster guardians—
Mary and Francis Connolly—people the system trusted to keep her safe.

Instead, they turned her childhood into a prison.

Mary Ellen was whipped with rawhide.
Starved.
Locked inside dark rooms.
Forbidden sunlight.
Forbidden play.
Forbidden mercy.

She wore rags.
She slept in fear.

Neighbors heard things.
Whispers.
Cries through thin walls.

But no one stepped in.

Because in that era, the law saw children as property.
They had no legal rights.
No protection.
No voice.

Then one woman refused to look away.

Her name was Etta Angell Wheeler, a Methodist missionary who heard rumors of a child suffering behind closed doors. When she visited the Connolly home, what she saw stopped her cold.

A child with scars.
A body too thin.
Eyes trained to expect pain.

Wheeler went to the police.
She went to the courts.

And she was told something chilling:

There were laws to protect animals from cruelty—
but none to protect children.

So Wheeler did something unheard of.

She went to Henry Bergh, founder of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and asked a question that history would never forget:

“If animals can be protected by law… why not children?”

Bergh listened.

Using the ASPCA’s legal authority, he petitioned the court on Mary Ellen’s behalf. When officials finally entered the Connolly home, they found a pale, scarred, trembling child.

The nation recoiled.

Mary Connolly was arrested, tried, and convicted.

And in 1875, something unprecedented happened.

Out of Mary Ellen’s suffering came the creation of the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC)—
the first child protection agency in the world.

For the first time in history, children were recognized as lives worth defending.

Mary Ellen was freed.

She grew up surrounded by care instead of fear.
She married.
She became a mother.
She lived to 92, passing away in 1956—and gave her children the love she had been denied.

From one child’s pain rose a movement that protects millions today.

Her name may not appear in every textbook.
But her legacy lives on—

In every report filed.
Every door knocked.
Every child removed from harm.

🌿 From her suffering came progress.
🌿 From her silence came every child’s right to be heard.

And it all began with one woman who refused to accept that cruelty was normal.

12/13/2025

11/22/2025

We are grateful for the Hampton Garden Club's loyal support and generous donations of hats, scarves and mittens. On behalf of the children who enjoy your gifts, "Thank You". You warm our hearts.

11/18/2025

Creative, caring, and completely wonderful!

"A few weeks ago, I started something in my classroom called the ‘I Need’ Box.

It’s simple:
📌 Students can write down something they need (supplies, help, support, whatever) and drop it in the box. No awkwardness. No fear of speaking up. Just a safe way to ask for help.

The first week? Two boys reported bullying. We fixed it.

The next week, I changed it up: EVERY student puts in a card daily. Blank is fine, but the routine makes it safe for everyone.

And wow… the responses have been incredible.
✨ Requests for seat changes.
✨ Help with schoolwork.
✨ Supplies they were too embarrassed to ask for.
✨ Special handshakes when they walk in.
✨ Even just… hugs.

And here’s the best part: they’re now starting to skip the box completely and come talk to me directly. Trust is growing. Connections are building.

15 years teaching middle school, and I can honestly say—this is the BEST thing I’ve ever done to reach my kids early in the year.

Sometimes all they need is a safe way to say: “I need…”

< Credit JuliaBrown >

09/16/2025

Our children can do amazing things when we teach them basic life skills.

09/09/2025

The school year is underway! Your donations from this list will help children in SAU 90.

Help support with donations to our -HCC program. We're collecting for our October Distribution.
You make Hampton a better place every time you help!

09/03/2025

REMINDER: We will have open closet tomorrow from 4:30-6pm. Come visit if you have any clothing needs to start the school year!

08/29/2025

We're deeply saddened by the passing of former SAU 90 Superintendent, Kathleen Murphy. Her commitment to children was evident in everything she did. She actively engaged community leaders and parents in order to make the schools and our community stronger, safer, and student centered. Thank you, Kathleen. We enjoyed working with you.

For 54 years, Concord Superintendent Kathleen Murphy served as a teacher and administrator in Derry, Hampton, Newmarket, Nashua and for the state Department of Education. She died while on medical

08/15/2025

Help support with donations to our -HCC program. We're collecting for our October Distribution.
You make Hampton a better place every time you help!