New London — The city on Thursday will unveil a Black Heritage Trail, a series of 15 plaques situated across the city that explain important historic sites.

A 4 p.m. ceremony will be held at 42 Rogers St. to honor Spencer Lancaster, who was the first African American selectman in New London. Lancaster’s former home on Rogers Street is one of the stops on the trail. Lancaster, 93, said he's pleased with the way the trail turned out and thankful for recognition for his part in opening doors for local Black men and women.

Another ceremony will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Hempsted Houses at 11 Hempstead St.

The initiative is made possible through the efforts of City Councilor Curtis K. Goodwin, New London Landmarks, New London Office of Development and Planning and New London City Council Economic Development Committee.

Grant funding was provided, in part, by Thames River Innovation Place, Connecticut Office of Tourism and the Eastern Regional Tourism District. Site and marketing was managed by Quinn & Hary and the installation of the markers was done by the city's Public Works Department.