The Portsmouth Peace Treaty

In recent years, the Japan-America Society of NH has put particular focus on the importance of Portsmouth as host to the 1905 negotiations that produced the Treaty of Portsmouth, ending the Russo-Japanese War.

Since 1994, the Society has presented the Portsmouth Peace Treaty Forum, welcoming diplomats and scholars to explore diplomatic themes in the spirit of the Treaty of Portsmouth. The Japan-America Society of New Hampshire offers members the opportunity to participate in additional events organized to commemorate the Portsmouth Peace Treaty and its themes.

The Society has assembled an extraordinary collection of materials – images, recordings, publications and research – that record and analyze the events in Portsmouth in the summer of 1905, the 2005 Treaty Centennial initiatives, Portsmouth Peace Treaty Day celebrations, new projects and related topics.

Membership dues and sponsorship donations support the ongoing research and dissemination of information about the Treaty and the role of citizen diplomacy -- the idea that local people made a difference in Portsmouth in 1905.

Resources built on the foundation of the research conducted for the 100th Treaty anniversary in 1905 include:

• The central exhibit on the Treaty, “An Uncommon Commitment to Peace: Portsmouth Peace Treaty 1905” -- currently displayed by the Portsmouth Historical Society and by the New Hampshire State Archives in Concord NH with satellite exhibit components at Wentworth By the Sea Hotel in New Castle NH and The Fells in Newbury NH .
• The Portsmouth Peace Treaty Trail -- linking the iconic sites of the Treaty summer of 1905 (offered as a guided and self-guided experience).
• And, of special interest to educators, "The Portsmouth Peace Process: A Guide for Teachers," a collection of resources developed under JASNH auspices and now in use in a growing number of schools around the country.

This core research, event details and updates from the Portsmouth Peace Treaty Forum are posted on the Portsmouth Peace Treaty website. JASNH funds also support the publication of books, monographs, the catalogue produced to accompany the exhibit, and other programs and research.