Portsmouth, New Hampshrie has been named one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Dozen Distinctive Destinations for 2008. Keene is the one other New Hampshire town that has received this honor since the Trust began this program of selecting and promoting this annual list in 2000. The Trust looks for vacation destinations across the United States that offer an authentic visitor experience by combining dynamic downtowns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, cultural landscapes and a strong commitment to historic preservation and revitalization.

At an announcement ceremony, Doris Burke, Preservation Alliance board member said, "The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance welcomes this designation as a way to highlight the exceptional experience Portsmouth offers its visitors and residents, and its impressive record of heritage-related revitalization, public education and planning wor. We consider Portsmouth one of the birthplaces of the modern historic preservation movement, and we draw on Portsmouth leaders frequently as expert mentors for other community leaders across the state."  Burke is Community Developmetn Manager for Public Service of New Hampshire and serves as an Advisor to the National Trust. along with Senator Martha Fuller Clark.

The destinations selected in 2008 range from a French colonial village along the banks of the Mississippi River that captures the pioneer spirit of the early settlers, to a small Texas town that serves as a gateway to the unspoiled terrain of the 19th century western frontier, to a gorgeous Southern city with roots three centuries deep, and a coastal town renowned for its seafood and historic buildings.

"These twelve communities represent the richness and diversity of America's cultural heritage," says Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, "and in preserving their historic fabric and spirit of place are models for other towns and cities." Go to www.nthp.org for more.