The Treaty of Portsmouth (Portsmouth Peace Treaty)

Portsmouth Peace Treaty History on Permanent Display

Portsmouth NH (September 13, 2005) – The Portsmouth Peace Treaty, a pivotal moment in the history of the seaside city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire -- and the world -- as the place that earned President Teddy Roosevelt a Nobel Peace Prize for helping to end the bloody Russo-Japanese War, now has a permanent, tangible presence in the city. Visitors and residents alike can follow the Portsmouth Peace Treaty Trail among the bricks of the historic city, either with a self-guided tour map or in the company of walking, trolley and harbor cruise tour guides and staff in the various Portsmouth Peace Treaty exhibit venues. Polished to perfection over a 30-day celebration of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty Centennial that culminated on September 5^th, the components of the city’s salute to its leading role on the world stage in 1905 endure.

A comprehensive school curriculum for grades 4-12 created by Northeast Cultural Coop and Dr. Robert Lister, Superintendent of Portsmouth Public Schools, is expected to bring school children to the “source” as is extensive publicity in the Japanese media over the summer. Visitors as well as locals who want to see what all the summer’s fuss was about, should check the constantly updated calendar at www.portsmouthpeacetreaty.com. Key tours and exhibits include:

· Tours of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty Trail: Thurs & Sat at 10:30 am, Fri & Mon at 5:30 pm, Sun at 1:30 pm. Walking Tours start at the Freedom Flag Pole in Prescott Park,

Marcy St.

& at the John Paul Jones House (location of the main Treaty exhibit.) Trolley tours cover downtown and outlying Treaty sites. Trolley tours must be reserved in advance by calling 603-436-3988 ext. 10; www.portsmouthchamber.org/treatytrolleytours.cfm Tickets: Walking tour only, Adults $8, Seniors, $7, children 8-14 yrs. $5, under-8, free. Trolley Tour: Adults, $15; Seniors $12; Children 8-14 yrs., $10; Under-8, free. Combination tickets available.

· "An Uncommon Commitment to Peace: Portsmouth Peace Treaty 1905" exhibit of artifacts and timeline, John Paul Jones Museum of the Portsmouth Historical Society, corner of Middle and State Streets, Portsmouth. Daily through October 31, 11-5. Admission $10. Seniors, AAA members and local residents, $8. 603-431-2538, www.portsmouthhistory.org

· "PEACE! A Pictorial History of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty," Children's Museum of Portsmouth,

280 Marcy St., Portsmouth

. Mon-Sat, 10-5; Sun 1-5. September 16-October 31.Admission $5 for children and adults, $4 for seniors, free for members and children under 1. Contact: 603-436-3853 or www.childrens-museum.org

· "African Symbols of Peace," Seacoast African American Cultural Center,

135 Daniel Street, Portsmouth

. Free. Open Sat 10-4, Sun 12-2, Mon 10-12 Contact: 603-436-7629

· "War and Peace: Images from the Russo-Japanese War 1904-05" Portsmouth Athenaeum, Randall Gallery, 6-8 Market Square, Open Thurs, 1-4 p.m; Sat 10- 4 pm. Through November 5. Free. Contact: 603-431-2538

Portsmouth is a vibrant city on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and across the Piscataqua River from Maine. For four hundred years, Portsmouth has been a maritime hub, collecting historic treasures from sea captains’ voyages as well as establishing itself as one of the most livable cities in the nation. American Style cited Portsmouth for its performing arts scene. Restaurant Business noted its 160 restaurants, from waterfront lobster bar to Four Diamond resort dining. And Fodor's called Portsmouth one of the most underrated destinations in the US. For more information visit www.portsmouthchamber.org.

Calendar of Events

For a month's view Calendar, click here.

The Japan-America Society is the 501c3 nonprofit that supports the efforts of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty Forum. To join, click here.

© Richard Haynes
Haynes Images

For information about ordering fine art prints of this Treaty Centennial symbol, and other commemorative items, click here.

For information about the Russia Society of New Hampshire, write to
PO Box 177
Concord NH 03302-0177

For a Russian-language description of the Treaty exhibit click here.

For the Russian-language Library of Congress description of the Treaty of Portsmouth, click here.

News and Links

To learn nore, the following books are available:

Heroes & Friends: Behind the Scenes of the Treaty of Portsmouth by Michiko Nakanishi

There Are No Victors Here: A Local Perspective on the Treaty of Portsmouth by Peter E. Randall

Also available:

An Uncommon Commitment to Peace Exhibit Catalogue published by the Japan-America Society of NH

Blessed Are the Peacemakers: The Service of Thanksgiving for the Portsmouth Treaty, September 5, 1905 by Marina Grot Turkevich Naumann

Original 1905 newsreel footage on DVD

Treaty of Portsmouth 1905-2005 book of reproduction historical postcards.

The Portsmouth Peace Process: Guide for Teachers by Northeast Cultural Coop

Portsmouth Peace Treaty Trail

For hours, directions, details on the Portsmouth Historical Society museum where the Portsmouth Peace Treaty exhibit is displayed, click here.

For hours, directions, details on Strawbery Banke Museum and the Shapiro House, owned by one of the founders of Temple Israel who figured in the Treaty citizen diplomacy, click here.

For information about Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and Building 86 where the formal negotiations were held. click here.

For more information about Wentworth By the Sea Hotel, where both delegations stayed, click here.

For more information about Green Acre Bahai School and Sarah Farmer's commitment to the peace process, click here.

The Portsmouth Public Library maintains an micorfilm archive of local newspapers and an index of the relevant Treaty reporting and other related materials. The archive of original newspapers, photographs and other documents is maintained by the Portsmouth Athenaeum.