New Historic Markers Installed in City

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1 CITY OF PORTSMOUTH New Historic Markers Installed in City April 30, 2012 FOR MORE INFORMATION: David Moore, Between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PORTSMOUTH Earlier this spring, the City of Portsmouth installed seven historic markers as part of a project to reproduce historic marker signs, which were once scattered in various locations throughout the downtown and South End. The original historic markers were installed as part of a project sponsored by Strawbery Banke, the City of Portsmouth, and a civic group then known as the South End Association. At that time, the project (completed in 1977) resulted in the installation of approximately 40 markers covering a variety of topics from the City s rich history. The first five markers were installed by Public Works in A sixth marker, Wharves at Spring Hill was installed as part of the Bow-Ceres Waterfront Park Project in The titles of the seven newly installed markers include First Printing House in N.H., Haven Park, John Samuel Blunt, Painter, Powder House, Portsmouth Navy Yard, Portsmouth s South Mills and Marcy-Pettigrew Shipyard. According to City Manager John Bohenko, the markers will help insure the City s history is accessible. The attractiveness and placement of the new markers will insure residents and visitors have the opportunity to learn more about their historic surroundings as they explore our City on foot. Funding for this project was provided through the Capital Improvement Program and coordinated by the Community Development Department. The City contracted with local graphic designer Susan Hamilton of Phineas to provide layout and digital file services. Content for the markers was authored and edited by local volunteer Richard Adams and historian Richard Candee in cooperation with the City. The total project cost was $9,500 and includes the graphic design and layout, fabrication and shipping, and installation. David Moore, Community Development Director, coordinated the project for the City. According to Moore, improvements in signage materials and technology since the 1970s have made the new markers much more durable. The technology has also permitted the use of color scanned images of maps, paintings, and photographs. The new markers are fabricated using highly durable synthetic panels, which are protected from the deteriorating effects of UV rays and have graffiti surface protection. The panels are directly attached to durable steel pedestals, and designed to be both vandal resistant and very low maintenance.

2 According to Moore, the intent is to standardize these markers so they are identifiable as being City-sponsored and are consistent in format, durability and quality. Design work for the next group of historic markers is in progress, with fabrication and installation planned for The historic markers are also viewable on the City of Portsmouth website at and click on Community Development. Residents and visitors can find the newly installed markers in the following locations: Historic Marker Topic First Printing House in N.H. Haven Park John Samuel Blunt, Painter Powder House Portsmouth Navy Yard Portsmouth s South Mills Location In landscaped area at the corner of Howard & Pleasant Streets In Haven Park facing sidewalk along Pleasant Street In Moffatt-Ladd Garden, facing the sidewalk on Market Street In Powder House Park at Islington Street and Essex Avenue along brick walkway In Prescott Park on waterfront path, facing Navy Yard Along Marcy Street sidewalk near the Fish Market Marcy-Pettigrew Shipyard In landscaped area at Marcy and South Mill Streets

3 Haven Park In Haven Park facing sidewalk along Pleasant Street 1

4 First Printing House in N.H. In landscaped area at the corner of Howard & Pleasant Streets 2

5 Marcy-Pettigrew Shipyard In landscaped area at Marcy and South Mill Street 3

6 Powder House In Powder House Park along brick walkway 4

7 John Samuel Blunt, Painter In Moffatt-Ladd Garden, facing the sidewalk on Market Street 5

8 Portsmouth Navy Yard In Prescott Park on waterfront path, facing Navy Yard 6

9 Portsmouth s South Mills Along Marcy Street sidewalk near the Fish Market 7