Portsmouth Peace Treaty History on Permanent Display
Portsmouth NH (September 13, 2005) – The Portsmouth Peace Treaty, a pivotal moment in the history of the seaside city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire -- and the world -- as the place that earned President Teddy Roosevelt a Nobel Peace Prize for helping to end the bloody Russo-Japanese War, now has a permanent, tangible presence in the city. Visitors and residents alike can follow the Portsmouth Peace Treaty Trail among the bricks of the historic city, either with a self-guided tour map or in the company of walking, trolley and harbor cruise tour guides and staff in the various Portsmouth Peace Treaty exhibit venues. Polished to perfection over a 30-day celebration of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty Centennial that culminated on September 5th, the components of the city’s salute to its leading role on the world stage in 1905 endure.
A comprehensive school curriculum for grades 4-12 created by Northeast Cultural Coop and Dr. Robert Lister, Superintendent of Portsmouth Public Schools, is expected to bring school children to the “source” as is extensive publicity in the Japanese media over the summer. Visitors as well as locals who want to see what all the summer’s fuss was about, should check the constantly updated calendar at www.portsmouthpeacetreaty.com. Key tours and exhibits include:
· Tours of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty Trail: Thurs & Sat at 10:30 am, Fri & Mon at 5:30 pm, Sun at 1:30 pm. Walking Tours start at the Freedom Flag Pole in Prescott Park, Marcy St. & at the John Paul Jones House (location of the main Treaty exhibit.) Trolley tours cover downtown and outlying Treaty sites. Trolley tours must be reserved in advance by calling 603-436-3988 ext. 10; www.portsmouthchamber.org/treatytrolleytours.cfm Tickets: Walking tour only, Adults $8, Seniors, $7, children 8-14 yrs. $5, under-8, free. Trolley Tour: Adults, $15; Seniors $12; Children 8-14 yrs., $10; Under-8, free. Combination tickets available.
· "An Uncommon Commitment to Peace: Portsmouth Peace Treaty 1905" exhibit of artifacts and timeline, John Paul Jones Museum of the Portsmouth Historical Society, corner of Middle and State Streets, Portsmouth. Daily through October 31, 11-5. Admission $10. Seniors, AAA members and local residents, $8. 603-431-2538, www.portsmouthhistory.org
· "PEACE! A Pictorial History of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty," Children's Museum of Portsmouth, 280 Marcy St., Portsmouth. Mon-Sat, 10-5; Sun 1-5. September 16-October 31.Admission $5 for children and adults, $4 for seniors, free for members and children under 1. Contact: 603-436-3853 or www.childrens-museum.org
· "African Symbols of Peace," Seacoast African American Cultural Center, 135 Daniel Street, Portsmouth. Free. Open Sat 10-4, Sun 12-2, Mon 10-12 Contact: 603-436-7629
· "War and Peace: Images from the Russo-Japanese War 1904-05" Portsmouth Athenaeum, Randall Gallery, 6-8 Market Square, Open Thurs, 1-4 p.m; Sat 10- 4 pm. Through November 5. Free. Contact: 603-431-2538
Portsmouth is a vibrant city on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and across the Piscataqua River from Maine. For four hundred years, Portsmouth has been a maritime hub, collecting historic treasures from sea captains’ voyages as well as establishing itself as one of the most livable cities in the nation. American Style cited Portsmouth for its performing arts scene. Restaurant Business noted its 160 restaurants, from waterfront lobster bar to Four Diamond resort dining. And Fodor's called Portsmouth one of the most underrated destinations in the US. For more information visit www.portsmouthchamber.org.
