HEAR YE! HEAR YE!

A new colorful history of the Isles of Shoals is at the printers with plans for an early May release – thanks to local supporters. Under the Isles of Shoals traces 6,000 years of history at Smuttynose Island based on 250,000 artifacts recently unearthed on the tiny rocky island. Written and co-designed by historian J. Dennis Robinson, the book features over 180-images including rare artifacts, candid photos of the student “diggers” at work, and historical pictures rarely seen. It also features five original illustrations by well-known artist Bill Paarlberg. The book will be published by the Portsmouth Marine Society, now operated by the Portsmouth Historical Society. (Continued below)

“We’re trying something new with something old,” says Maryellen Burke, executive director of the historical society. “We’re reaching out to the modern business community to help us tell important stories about the past.”

Sponsors of the colorful 176-page book include Smuttynose Brewing Company, Optima Bank & Trust, SeacoastNH.com, Speedpro Imaging Portsmouth, ClearEyePhoto.com, and Treehouse Toys. Designer Grace Peirce and illustrator Bill Paarlberg also donated a portion of their services to make this unique project possible.

“There’s no way we can create new works of this quality each year without underwriting by companies that share our vision of Portsmouth as an important heritage destination,” Burke says. “This year we’re also mixing history with archaeology and marine biology.”

The book will accompany a new exhibit opening at Discover Portsmouth from May through September and will be available in participating sales locations. The exhibit will be free to the public and open seven days a week at the corner of Islington and Middle Streets. Archaeologist Nathan Hamilton of Southern Maine University is co-curator of the exhibit with Robinson. The archaeological dig at the Isles of Shoals will continue through the next few years.

Burke is currently seeking underwriters for the Shoals exhibit that, she says, promises to be one of the most visually exciting displays in recent history. Star Island Corporation, Shoals Marine Lab, Island Cruises, and Portsmouth Harbor Cruises, and the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company are among the current exhibit sponsors. Companies that wish to support this project should contact Maryellen Burke at (603) 436-8433 as soon as possible. She is also seeking gallery sitters and volunteers to help with “Under the Isles of Shoals.”