Portsmouth Historic Society

The Council Chambers
City Hall
Portsmouth, New Hampshire

A Proclamation

          Whereas:                     The city of Portsmouth celebrates the 385th anniversary of its founding this year; and
 
Whereas:                         As a prosperous Colonial capital, our city played a significant role in our state’s Royal history; and  

Whereas:                         As the provincial capital for the State of New Hampshire, Portsmouth affirmed the principles with which local  citizen William Whipple signed the Declaration of Independence; and

Whereas:                         Our city andour workforce have defended the security of the nation throughout history, including at America's oldest Navy yard -- the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard; and
 
Whereas:                          Our city hosted the 1905 peace conference ending the Russo-Japanese War with the Treaty of Portsmouth, which led to President Theodore Roosevelt winning the Nobel Peace Prize; and
              
Whereas:                          The Portsmouth Historical Society and its preservation partners Strawbery Banke Museum, the Portsmouth Athenaeum, Portsmouth Historic House Association and the other historical and cultural resources have brought national recognition to our city; and

 Whereas:                          On this day, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has declared Portsmouth as a “2008 Distinctive Destination,” conferring all accompanying honors and continuing recognition due that designation.

Now, therefore, I, Thomas G. Ferrini, Mayor of the City of Portsmouth, on behalf of the members of the City Council and our citizens, do hereby declare today, February 7, 2008, as

Historic Portsmouth Day

and urge our residents and visitors to continue to enjoy the historic sites, events and commitment to historic preservation that earned our city this prestigious designation.

Given with my hand and the
Seal of the City of Portsmouth,
on this 7th day of February, 2008.

_________________________
Thomas G. Ferrini, Mayor of Portsmouth