Vision

Thanks to the Portsmouth Historical Society’s nomination efforts, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Portsmouth one of its 2008 Dozen Distinctive Destinations® for the community’s authentic “sense of place” — its lively combination of well-reserved architecture, historical sites and vibrant cultural life. The conservation and re-use of the historic Benedict and Academy buildings for these new non-profit uses will contribute mightily to greater Portsmouth’s continuing allure and vitality.

The Society’s adaptation of these noted historical structures saves the buildings from commercial use. The plan is an ideal marriage of the City’s long-term goals for the revitalization of the neighboring West End/Islington Street Corridor as a new arts district, the planned Northern Tier hotel and retail developments and the Portsmouth Historical Society’s mission to enable public access to the city’s historical resources.

As important as physical preservation, is the re-purposing of a former public library as a multi-use facility that is directly responsible for showcasing the local historical and arts organizations that annually generate $38.2 million in local spending.

Portsmouth’s “stories” include the many contributions of nationally-acclaimed writers, musicians, visual and performing artists, from its beginnings to the present day. The new center will strengthen and promote the City’s cultural and arts organizations by providing a one-stop “Culture Connection.”

The Center’s focus on enhancing awareness and appreciation of the City’s historical, arts and performance venues directly complements and augments the general visitor information work of the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce while providing a logical starting point for popular tours and other public programming.