Background. On October 16, 2020 an official request was submitted to the N.H. Division of Historical Resources to erect a State Highway Historical Marker recognizing the Disappearance of Maura Murray at the location she was last seen on Rt. 112, Haverhill, N.H. in 2004.
The request was supported by 780 N.H. petitioners garnering widespread media attention and includes letters of support from former N.H. Speaker of the House Shurtleff, N.H. State Rep. DeSimone, the Murray family, Dr. Robert McDonald [Professor of History, West Point], and petitions with 3,367 signatures from all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and forty-two different countries.
Despite the request meeting all criteria for a Marker, the Director of the N.H. Division of Historical Resources, Mr. Ben Wilson, rejected the request citing arbitrary "requirements," which has called into question the legitimacy of the N.H. Highway Marker program. On behalf of the 780 N.H. petitioners, the Murray family have submitted an appeal for reconsideration to Mr. Wilson and Governor Sununu urging them to approve the Marker request that unequivocally meets the official criteria for a N.H. Historic Highway Marker set forth by law.
Call to Action. We need your help to urge the N.H. Governor Christopher Sununu and Director of the Div. of Historical Resources, Mr. Ben Wilson, to recognize the historical significance of Maura’s disappearance by approving and installing a Historical Marker. Please complete the three steps below and together we can forever memorialize this sacred place.
The Murray Family's official appeal for reconsideration can be found here for reference.
The request was supported by 780 N.H. petitioners garnering widespread media attention and includes letters of support from former N.H. Speaker of the House Shurtleff, N.H. State Rep. DeSimone, the Murray family, Dr. Robert McDonald [Professor of History, West Point], and petitions with 3,367 signatures from all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and forty-two different countries.
Despite the request meeting all criteria for a Marker, the Director of the N.H. Division of Historical Resources, Mr. Ben Wilson, rejected the request citing arbitrary "requirements," which has called into question the legitimacy of the N.H. Highway Marker program. On behalf of the 780 N.H. petitioners, the Murray family have submitted an appeal for reconsideration to Mr. Wilson and Governor Sununu urging them to approve the Marker request that unequivocally meets the official criteria for a N.H. Historic Highway Marker set forth by law.
Call to Action. We need your help to urge the N.H. Governor Christopher Sununu and Director of the Div. of Historical Resources, Mr. Ben Wilson, to recognize the historical significance of Maura’s disappearance by approving and installing a Historical Marker. Please complete the three steps below and together we can forever memorialize this sacred place.
The Murray Family's official appeal for reconsideration can be found here for reference.
Step 2 of 3: Call N.H. Governor Sununu and Mr. Wilson
In addition to sending emails, supporters should call Governor Sununu and Mr. Wilson urging them to reconsider approving the application for a historical marker to memorialize Maura's disappearance.
Just a five minute phone call will help the office understand the historical significance of Maura's disappearance to N.H. and to the world. The names and phone number's for each member of staff is below along with tips to help you make the call.
Governor Christopher Sununu: (603) 271-2121
Mr. Benjamin Wilson, Director: (603) 545-2471
Just a five minute phone call will help the office understand the historical significance of Maura's disappearance to N.H. and to the world. The names and phone number's for each member of staff is below along with tips to help you make the call.
Governor Christopher Sununu: (603) 271-2121
Mr. Benjamin Wilson, Director: (603) 545-2471
Quick Tips
1. Call individuals directly and ask to speak with the person you are calling.
2. If there is no answer, leave a message.
3. Let them know if you are a resident of N.H. or an out of state supporter.
4. Know your facts and be brief.
A conversation could include the following points:
- Maura's disappearance is one of the most followed missing persons cases in the world.
- Every year, thousands of residents and visitors trek to the place on Rt. 112 where Maura was last seen.
- Maura is the first major missing persons case of the social media age - Facebook was founded within a week of her disappearance.
- The mystery of Maura's disappearance will forever be significant to New Hampshire's residents and visitors.
1. Call individuals directly and ask to speak with the person you are calling.
2. If there is no answer, leave a message.
3. Let them know if you are a resident of N.H. or an out of state supporter.
4. Know your facts and be brief.
A conversation could include the following points:
- Maura's disappearance is one of the most followed missing persons cases in the world.
- Every year, thousands of residents and visitors trek to the place on Rt. 112 where Maura was last seen.
- Maura is the first major missing persons case of the social media age - Facebook was founded within a week of her disappearance.
- The mystery of Maura's disappearance will forever be significant to New Hampshire's residents and visitors.
Step 3 of 3: Share with your friends
Please ask your friends to join you in emailing and calling Governor Sununu and Mr. Wilson to show support for approving a historical marker for Maura!