What is this little New England seaport (population 21,000) all about? Why does it look so old and English? What makes it tick? Why is it called the "Cambridge of the North"? Local historians like to say that the history of Portsmouth is the real story of America – founded as a plantation, successful and failed, built by immigrants, struggling to survive. (see link to video below)
The Story of NH’s Only Seaport
NOTE: Don’t miss the NH CHRONICLE special on our recent book about the history of Strawbery Banke. Airs Friday night on Channel 9 (WMUR-TV) at 7:30 PM. Click for more
We tell Portsmouth stories. That’s the mission of the Portsmouth Historical Society. Now PHS has taken that mission to the Web with the release of its new brief history of Portsmouth, NH.
This mini-documentary was originally designed to show visitors at the John Paul Jones House museum, home of the historical society in Portsmouth. Created by Atlantic Media, the 15-minute video gives visitors and locals a quick overview of one of the nation’s oldest British colonial settlements and New Hampshire’s only seaport.
Now you can see the entire production online from the comfort of your computer easy chair. The streaming video weaves together the narrative of local historians Stephanie Seacord and J. Dennis Robinson, who offer a quick overview of the city’s sweeping 400-years. Today the city is known for its numerous house museums,its Black Heritage Trail, a dramatic maritime story and a bustling Market Square. And it is within this backdrop of colonial and federal buildings and colorful characters that the modern cultural hotspot evolved. Recently named one of the nation’s "Distinctive Destinations" by the National Trust, Portsmouth offers a rich and complex story in a compact and walkable environment.
The City of Portsmouth has posted the entire film on its web site for easy streaming using RealPlayer. Viewers without this utility can download it from the site (takes 5-10 minutes). The documentary offers an honest but upbeat impression of Portsmouth for the first time in easy-to-digest format.
To access the film, CLICK ON THIS LINK, and then select the item labeled "Welcome to Historic Portsmouth (Portsmouth Historical Society)" from the top of the menu. So microwave some popcorn and check it out today.
Calendar
Mystery Science Teen Theater May 9, 2008 CONCORD -- Professional magician Ryan Mahoney will amaze you with some great magic that will have you wondering - are you witnessing science or sleight of hand? Is the gravity being defied or simply strings and wire? You will leave with props and the a...
Spring Schwing May 9, 2008 The Seacoast social event of the spring season is slated for Friday, May 9, hosted by the Jumbo Circus Peanuts of Portsmouth. This annual dance party, dubbed the "Spring Schwing," now in its thirteenth year, is happening at the band's World He...
Aldrich's Bad Boy Live May 9 - 11, 2008 Note -- Sunday show is matinee -- Pontine Theatre celebrates the 100th Anniversary of Portsmouth's Thomas Bailey Aldrich Memorial with it's original stage adaptation of the author's 1869 novel, THE STORY OF A BAD BOY. Co-Directors, Greg Gathers and Mar...
Macbeth May 9, 2008 ROCHESTER -- Macbeth," Shakespeare's great play of temptation, ambition and seduction, is the Rochester Opera House's annual Shakespearean production for the 2007-2008 season.
The Scottish tragedy centers on Macbeth's bloody rise to power, in wh...
Salmon Falls Mill Open Studios May 10, 2008 ROLLINSFORD -- On Saturday, May 10, 2008, the Artists of the Mills at Salmon Falls will open their studios from 11am to 5pm. Just in time for Mother’s Day, this annual Spring event draws guests from all over New England to the rejuvenated historic mil...
Macbeth in Rochester May 10, 2008 "Macbeth," Shakespeare's great play of temptation, ambition and seduction, is the Rochester Opera House's annual Shakespearean production for the 2007-2008 season.
The Scottish tragedy centers on Macbeth's bloody rise to power, in which gui...
Tea with John Paul Jones May 11, 2008 PORTSMOUTH – Enjoy a Mother’s Day tea with brave Captain Jones, 18th Century Style at the John Paul Jones House 43 Middle St Portsmouth from 2-4 pm on May 11, 2008.
Price: $15 ($12 members of Portsmouth Historical Society)
Plan your Mother’s Day ...
Mistral - No Ordinary Women May 11, 2008 PORTSMOUTH -- Celebrate Mother’s Day at The Music Hall! This acclaimed Boston-based ensemble will be providing high spirits and serious music making as they focus on inspirational works by women composers. Treat your mother, wife, or sister to chamber m...
Mother’s Day Tea d’ Jazz May 11, 2008 EXETER -- Bring your mother, family, friends to hear Jazz trumpeter Tom Palance and his Jazz Quartet – piano, drums, bass and trumpet, in a variety of swing jazz favorites and familiar standards of yesteryear. Elegant tearoom seating, teas, coffees, dr...
UNH Symphony May 11, 2008 The University of New Hampshire Department of Music presents the UNH Concert Choir under the direction of William Kempster and the UNH Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Larry Veal in concert on Sunday afternoon, May 11, 2008 beginning at 3:00 p....
What is this little New England seaport (population 21,000) all about? Why does it look so old and English? What makes it tick? Why is it called the "Cambridge of the North"? Local historians like to say that the history of Portsmouth is the real story of America – founded as a plantation, successful and failed, built by immigrants, struggling to survive. (see link to video below)
