Join NDAA in Portland, July 2005

Shore near Portland. Photo courtesy Convention & Visitors Bureau of Greater Portland.

Often I think of the beautiful town
That is seated by the sea;
Often in thought go up and down
The pleasant streets of that dear old town,
And my youth comes back to me.
(Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “My Lost Youth”)

Longfellow was referring to Portland, Maine, northern New England’s gem of a city.

When you’re in Portland for the 2005 NDAA Summer Conference (July 17-20), you’ll be “down East” as the northern New Englanders refer to it, in a city surrounded on three sides by water, including the invigorating salt air of the Atlantic Ocean. Portland is an historic and thriving seaport, with a rich heritage dating back to the early 17th Century. There is plenty to do and see, and not to be missed are the incomparable Maine lobsters, which have to be eaten on their home turf. With melted butter.

With its history intricately bound to the sea, Portland remains proud of its working waterfront and the celebrated beauty of its rockbound coast. The waterfront provides access to the sea for commercial shipping and a host of pleasure activities. With some of Maine’s best water access to islands, historic forts and lighthouses, Greater Portland is a choice destination for maritime enthusiasts as well as general travelers. In years past, tall ships plied the waters of Portland Harbor where cargo freighters still operate in one of the deepest, best-protected harbors on the East Coast. Today, from the welcoming beacon of Portland Head Light to the hardy lobstermen of Casco Bay, the coast remains an area steeped in nautical history and graced with the beauty of the sea.

Portland’s thriving downtown offers an exciting variety of attractions for visitors. Wander the cobblestone streets and visit the many shops. Sample the gourmet foods at the bustling Public Market. In the evening, explore an exciting and diverse nightlife that features a flourishing live music scene, menus to tempt and delight every appetite and award-winning brews. And be sure to take a boat tour of magnificent Casco Bay.

Although Portland is a relatively small city (population: approximately 65,000), it boasts cultural resources that many larger cities would envy, such as a lively arts scene and an exclusive downtown Arts District. As one of the premier cultural centers in northern New England, its visual and performing arts rival those of much larger regions. Stroll through the world-class Portland Museum of Art, or search out the many local galleries.

Downtown Portland. Photo courtesy Convention & Visitors Bureau of Greater Portland.

If you’re into serious shopping, nearby Kittery boasts one of the largest major-brand discount centers in New England, and Freeport, also a short drive from Portland, is the home of the flagship L. L. Bean store, a popular visitor attraction in itself.

Portland’s rich history began in 1632 when English settlers, attracted by the deep, sheltered harbor, established themselves on the Portland peninsula. The struggling town (originally called Falmouth), was destroyed twice by Indians during the 17th Century. From 1718 until the Revolution, it prospered as a major British lumber port. However, strong local support for the revolutionary cause angered British officials and on October 18, 1773, British warships commanded by Capt. Henry Mowatt bombarded Portland from the harbor, destroying 414 of the town’s 500 buildings.

After the Revolution, Portland was rebuilt and established once again as a commercial port. Lumber was exported to the West Indies and exchanged for molasses that was manufactured into rum, which, in turn, was sold in markets along the Atlantic coast.

Although Portland sent men and money to the Civil War, the harbor was not affected by the conflict. On July 4, 1866, fire swept the city, destroying most businesses and leaving 10,000 people homeless. The city rapidly recovered from the disaster. By the early 1870s, the burned-out area had been rebuilt in grand Victorian style and Portland again thrived as a major commercial center. Coastal and transatlantic steamers used the harbor, and Portland became a major railroad terminus, bringing thousands of summer visitors each year.

Despite the economic changes over the years, Portland has remained the most important commercial center in Maine and a major oil port for Canada. The mix of 18th, 19th and 20th Century buildings are visible reminders of the history and development of the seaport and commercial area. Restaurants, offices and art galleries exist side by side with sail makers and ship chandlers.

One of the best ways to see Portland is by water. As a travel writer for The New York Times put it, “Seeing Portland under sail is a most enjoyable way to put the city in geographic context. The 72-foot schooner Bagheera…was launched in 1924. After travel around the world, the black-hulled ship is back in Maine and outfitted for up to 48 passengers. Two-hour excursions among the islands of Casco Bay are offered through October.”

Portland and the Casco Bay provide a beautiful contradiction of rocky coastline and sophisticated cityscape, along with toasted lobster rolls and gourmet lobster thermidor, invigorating sea spray and luxury spas, lobstermen, artists and shopkeepers. “She has borne destruction by fire and cannon,” a visitors’ guide proudly notes, “and she has been rebuilt. Her citizens are colorful, tenacious and entrepreneurial. They have a genuine love for the region that they share warmly and proudly with visitors.”

Certainly a city, a region and an experience not to be missed. They all await you at the 2005 NDAA Summer Conference next July, which longtime Portlanders assure us “is our best month.” We cannot guarantee that you will recapture your youth, but you never know.