January 2010 -- The New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) recently awarded $75,000 in a matching grant to Star Island for replacement and repairs to the roof of the historic Oceanic Hotel complex. Star Island’s grant was one of 33 awards to 19 historical sites in New Hampshire and represents the only one in the Seacoast Area. (continued below)

January 2010 – The nonprofit Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse are determined to paint the hsitoric metal New Castle landmark in 2010. The longer it's put off, they agree, the bigger the job will be. The paint is starting to flake off in big pieces, and the rust is spreading. It's essential to stay on top of maintenance in such a harsh marine environment. (Continued below)

HISTORY NEWS

January 2010 -- The nonprofit Gundalow Company has been awarded $30,000 through funding from the New Hampshire Coastal Program at the NH Department of Environmental Services. The grants is in conjunction with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management. NHCP funds also supported increased education offerings in 2009. Today the Gundalow Company’s mission -- to protect the Piscataqua Maritime Region through education and action -- is more important than ever. (continued below)

December 2009 -- This is where the idea for a local black history trail began. The Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail evolved from a multicultural action group sponsored by the Greater Piscataqua Community Foundation that was meeting at New Hope Baptist Church. Now the site that started the highly successful history walking trail has its own official plaque.  (Continued below)