SHORT VERSION (TL;DR)
I'm a TMNT fan since the 80s and local Dover NH resident who thought "there needs to be a historic marker here" so I'm making it happen. Over the past 2+ years I've secured all necessary approvals and even Kevin Eastman's participation. It's finally time to fund manufacturing, please help me out!
Early newspaper coverage here: https://www.fosters.com/story/news/local/2021/0...
THE FULL STORY
In September 1983, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird founded Mirage Studios in the living room of an unassuming house in Dover, New Hampshire to bring to life their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Their self-published comic book was an instant hit that quickly won fans to eventually become one of the all-time iconic global entertainment brands. After releasing issue #1 in 1984, a quickly growing Mirage Studios left Dover to eventually settle their headquarters in Western Massachusetts. Their original home at 28 Union Street was torn down around 20 years ago and its property integrated into an adjoining apartment complex. Today there is no permanent structure on the land nor any hint of it's history.
As a lifelong TMNT fan who lives in the neighborhood, I'd often walk my dogs past the spot and think about how it deserves recognition. In November 2020 I came up with this project idea and decided I could make it happen. Since then I have been working with various municipal committees and departments, researching vendors and manufacturing processes, and developing a strategy. To my great joy original creator Kevin Eastman has offered to donate new custom artwork!
As this project is fan-driven, crowdfunded, and honoring a fun and creative team, a boring roadside plaque-on-a-stick would not do. Our historic marker takes the form of a real manhole cover, manufactured to spec for city street use, laid into brand-new sidewalk by the Public Works department of the City of Dover. The 32" stainless steel cover will be securely locked into its frame to prevent theft. I plan to have the marker laid into the ground Spring 2023, coinciding with Dover's 400th anniversary as well as Mirage Studios' 40th anniversary.
The total budget for this project is estimated at $13,000. All funds raised beyond the costs directly related to this project will be donated to the following turtle-related registered nonprofits:
The Seacoast Science Center in Odiorne State Park (Rye, NH)
Turtle Rescue League (Southbridge, MA)
Turtle Conservancy (Ojai, CA)
JETPACK COMICS of Rochester NH has been wonderfully supportive of this project and has generously donated these pledge premiums! Great stuff like limited-edition Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle comics including some signed by Mirage Studios artists, and even hand-drawn art from Peter Laird. Thank you Ralph!
And thank YOU for reading, please consider helping fund my project!