More Kudos for Portsmouth

City lauded for history, uniqueness

By Shir Haberman
shaberman@seacoastonline.com
September 04, 2008 6:00 AM

Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth is one reason the city was selected as one of the Dozen Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation recently.
Rich Beauchesne photo

PORTSMOUTH — The city has received yet another recognition of its uniqueness, this time from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. That organization recently named Portsmouth one of its "Dozen Distinctive Destinations" for 2008.

Each year since 2000, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has selected 12 vacation destinations across the United States that offer visitors a unique experience by combining dynamic downtowns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, cultural landscapes and a strong commitment to historic preservation and revitalization.

DISTINCT DOZEN

National Trust for Historic Preservation's "Dozen Distinctive Destinations"
Aiken, S.C.; Apalachicola, Fla.; Columbus, Miss.; Crested Butte, Colo.; Fort Davis, Texas; Friday Harbor, Wash.; Portland, Ore.; Portsmouth, N.H.; Red Wing, Minn.; Ste. Genevieve, Mo.; San Juan Bautista, Calif.; Wilmington, N.C.
"Portsmouth is a place that is not only defined as a 'Distinctive Destination' by history, it is a place that helps define many aspects of the history of our nation, thanks to the blend of preservation and interpretation championed by so many active community groups," said Margeurite Mathews, president of the Portsmouth Historical Society. "As we move into 2008 with a new gateway that preserves two historic downtown buildings and provides an interpretive center for visitors, this wonderful recognition by the trust helps us bring those stories to an ever-wider audience."

The result of the kudos the city has garnered this year has resulted in increased visitations this year, despite the rainy first half of the tourist season, said Nicki Noble, tourism director for the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce.

"This regional and national media coverage keeps Portsmouth on people's radar," Noble said. "It allows us to go beyond even the markets we target (to attract tourists)."

Noble said the amount of people walking into the chamber offices for information, visits to the information kiosk in Market Square, Harbor Trail tours sold, guides mailed and other inquires was well up over last year.

"At (Wednesday) morning's chamber Tourism Committee meeting, there was a lot of positive feedback about the tourist season this year," she said.

This year's National Trust for Historic Preservation top dozen destinations range from a French colonial village along the banks of the Mississippi River that captures the pioneer spirit of the early settlers, to a small Texas town that serves as a gateway to the unspoiled terrain of the 19th century western frontier, to a gorgeous southern city with roots three centuries deep, and Portsmouth, which the trust recognized as "a coastal town renowned for its seafood and historic buildings."

"These 12 communities represent the richness and diversity of America's cultural heritage," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, "and in preserving their historic fabric and spirit of place are models for other towns and cities."

Portsmouth is described as an "elegant seaport" by the trust. That elegance is due to what the trust describes as "one of the most culturally rich destinations in the country with a stimulating mix of historic buildings, sidewalk cafes, great restaurants, art galleries, jazz clubs and distinctive artisans' boutiques."

Of particular interest to the organization were the many preserved historic sites including, in the city, seven National Historic Landmarks.

"From the striking selection of grand mansions, including the gabled former lodgings of renowned naval captain John Paul Jones to The Black Heritage Trail, a walking tour that traces the roots of African Americans in New Hampshire, Portsmouth is packed with history," the trust stated in making its selection.

With its accent on historic preservation, the trust was particularly taken with the city's Strawbery Banke Museum, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Capturing 400 years of Portsmouth history, the museum features 35 original buildings, and historic landscapes and gardens.

"Each building shows a slice of life from a bygone era, some permitting visitors to watch traditional craftsmen at work," the trust stated. "Significantly, this site was rescued from poorly conceived urban renewal policies of the 1950s."

Also mentioned was the Wentworth by the Sea hotel, which was named to the trust's 11 Most Endangered Places list in 1996.

"Thanks to a long-standing commitment to historic preservation, Portsmouth, New Hampshire has never forgotten its sense of place," said Moe. "With its captivating blend of coastal beauty, historic buildings and lively downtown, there is something for every age and interest to experience."

The city also has received accolades from Outside Magazine as the fourth best town in the nation; from Prevention magazine and the American Podiatric Medical Association as the most walkable city in New Hampshire and the 58th most walkable in the nation; and Los Angeles-based Farmer's Insurance in December ranked Rockingham and Strafford counties as the second safest metropolitan area, with a population between 150,000 and 500,000, in the country.

(Posted September 3, 2008 by lela)