Got 18,000 Hours?

That’s the amount of time, AT LEAST, that our 99% volunteer run team for Portsmouth NH 400 has given of their hearts and souls since BEFORE 2022.

Yes. MORE.THAN.18,000 hours.

Our mission? To make the 400th anniversary of European settlement in Portsmouth special, exciting, fun, inspiring, inviting, and accessible to the community.

Our team has worked tirelessly with our community partners to design, coordinate, market, and execute the plethora of events we’ve had since the beginning of the year. We are grateful for EVERYONE who has given up much of their personal time to make our 400th celebrations great. We could not have done any of this without each and all of you!

Below is a list of our Management Team, Board of Directors, and Photography Team. In addition, we have had the help of at least 200 people who have been “day of event” volunteers starting with the 2022 Seacoast Half Marathon.

Thank you team and volunteers!

Visit our Facebook photo album featuring more photos of our team and volunteers.

Photo: Susan Labrie (center), with Colonel Nelson E. Perron, Commander, 157th Air Refueling Wing, and Valerie Rochon, Managing Director of PNH400 at the Thunder Over NH Air Show, 9/9/2023

What is Susan’s Role? PNH400 is a community funded initiative designed to shine the light on Portsmouth’s rich history, art and community. My role has been to build community through connections and introductions, optimizing the energy behind PNH400 to increase awareness, support and advocates to share the vibrant culture of Portsmouth with a larger and new audience. My goal was to raise capital by inspiring the generous business and philanthropic community that supports and appreciates the quality of life we enjoy in Portsmouth, and be part of the team leading the celebration of this historic milestone. I understand the power of connecting people with opportunities that will bring a higher purpose and joy to their lives.

What do you consider your biggest accomplishment so far? Facilitating relationships and engaging people of all ages to participate in something far greater than the individual. I hope people continue to be inspired to find meaningful connections and remain involved in building the future of Portsmouth, through volunteering, sponsoring, donating, becoming members and participating in events. I also hope people appreciate the lifelong commitment of those whose passion is to preserve architectural history, maintain old and create new traditions, and work tirelessly at non-profits to continue to preserve our historic charm. Maybe some will become inspired to volunteer more!

What has been a favorite moment or highlight of all the PNH400 events so far? There are so many that were highlights!!! And more to come!! The standout for me was the Parade. Despite the chilly, misty day, hundreds of people – young and old –cheered while standing along the roads, wrapped in blankets and sitting under umbrellas. The number of entries for the parade was astounding and demonstrated how important being part of the PNH400 was to so many people. When a group of people on the sidelines starting singing “Happy Birthday Portsmouth” chills went through my body from the positive energy, demonstrative of the strong community spirit, and the excitement and anticipation everyone shares for the year.

The PHS Marching Band with musicians from all over the country and of all ages played together. Goes to show you that a common vision can bring people together. Everyone was moved by that experience – and I shed a few tears of pure happiness and joy watching the musicians.

I was happy the parade was live-streamed—there were hundreds of people around the world watching as we celebrated the charm, history, and people of Portsmouth. People also came from around the world to participate. I knew then that the world saw what I knew—that Portsmouth is special.

Here’s why Susan decided to be part of the PNH400 Team. How could I say no to such an amazing opportunity? I was invited to be on the initial Steering Committee in 2017 that was created by Ed Mallon. As the initial Director, I met with organizations, potential sponsors, and the public through brainstorming sessions. With the help of Denise Wheeler, Peter Loughlin, Ed Mallon, Kathleen Soldati, Stephanie Seacord, Chris Dwyer, John Bohenko and many others, we drafted a playbook of goals, events, ideas and a vision statement based on our community outreach efforts.

Along came the great COVID pause, and the energy of the team dissipated. After Valerie accepted the position of Director in 2021, I knew we would not only achieve our goals and create a memorable year but would have fun doing so. I was thrilled that Denise, Trevor, and Stephanie decided to continue to help, and knew the perfect team was assembled to make this party happen!

I enjoy meeting new people and listening to their stories. I am grateful for our business community and individuals, whose generosity supports non-profits so they can create experiences for our community to enjoy! Our business community and philanthropists help maintain the momentum Portsmouth needs for an existing vibrant future! Thank you to ALL that contributed and helped make Portsmouth special.

“The work Susan did pre-COVID provided the foundation for everything we've done in 2023. She's worked to raise over a half million dollars with the support of our business community and local residents, without which the 400th celebrations would not have happened. She's a pro and a businness woman and I consider myself lucky to have a friend and colleague who is the sparkle and fireworks out front, while I'm the operations out back. Thank you, Susan!!” ~ Valerie Rochon, Managing Director for PNH400

In 1905 when, at 3:47 pm, the signing of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty ended the Russo-Japanese War, the first bloody, mechanized modern war of the 20th century, the church bells of Portsmouth reportedly rang for an hour. That tradition was revived by the Portsmouth Peace Treaty Forum and has continued each year since the 100th Treaty anniversary in 2005.

In 2010, the New Hampshire Legislature unanimously passed legislation designating September 5, Portsmouth Peace Treaty Day, recognizing the importance of the 1905 Treaty proceedings in New Hampshire history and the role of citizen diplomacy in ensuring the success of the peace conference and ever since then, the Governor of New Hampshire has issued a Proclamation calling on all New Hampshire citizens “to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities commemorating this important part of New Hampshire history.”

On Tuesday, September 5, 2023, Portsmouth celebrated Portsmouth Peace Treaty Day and NH citizen diplomacy with two dozen participants ringing bells in Market Square in front of Piscataqua Savings Bank. Mayor Deaglan McEachern read the 2023 Governor’s Proclamation, Mary Mrozcka from Sen. Shaheen’s office read a letter from the Senator and letters were read from Senator Maggie Hassan and Representative Chris Pappas by Joan Gile, PSB President and Councilor Andrew Bagley.

Stephanie Seacord, volunteer director of public affairs for the Portsmouth Peace Treaty Forum since 2005 (and volunteer PNH400 coordinator) has helped organize the bellringing in Portsmouth and at Portsmouth Peace Treaty Living Memorial Cherry Tree sites around the state. “Everyone matters,” she said. “Whether ringing little bells on the sidewalk or ringing the church bells of Portsmouth or elsewhere around the state, participating in the commemoration is a great way to remind ourselves that getting involved as we do in New Hampshire, is what citizen diplomacy is all about.”

You can read more about this day on the website for the Treaty of Portsmouth.