Portsmouth Historical Society

Portsmouth Historical Society History. Arts. Culture. www.portsmouthhistory.org
www.portsmouthhistoryshop.org/ For further information please call, email, or visit our website.

Portsmouth Historical Society (PHS), founded in 1917, is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit devoted to introducing, interpreting and stimulating the study of Portsmouth history and to maintaining collections of historical artifacts and documents. PHS operates two facilities: the John Paul Jones House & Garden, open Memorial Day through Columbus Day; and the Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center, open spring through December 23 daily from 9:30am-5pm.

Get ready for a night of Hamilton!Join us at Prescott Park TOMORROW (9/4) for the ultimate Hamilton sing-along! Before t...
09/03/2026

Get ready for a night of Hamilton!

Join us at Prescott Park TOMORROW (9/4) for the ultimate Hamilton sing-along! Before the show begins, the Portsmouth Historical Society will be there with some fun trivia to test your knowledge of the musical, Portsmouth’s revolutionary connections, and the beautiful Prescott Park.

Think you know your Schuyler Sisters and Prescott Sisters? Your Federalists and your Sons of Liberty? Come prove it!

Trivia begins at 7:30 pm. The movie begins at 8 pm.

For more information, visit https://www.prescottpark.org/event/hamilton

What's that in the sky? It's a UFO: Unidentified FROSTED Object. 🛸That can only mean one thing: GINGERBREAD registration...
09/01/2026

What's that in the sky? It's a UFO: Unidentified FROSTED Object. 🛸

That can only mean one thing: GINGERBREAD registration is OPEN!!
https://portsmouthhistory.org/exhibitions/gingerbread-2026

Explore the outer limits of baking. This year, to pair with our main exhibition on Betty and Barney Hill, we’re inviting everyone to recreate their favorite out-of-this-world story in gingerbread form! As always, let your creativity shine; we welcome all entries on any theme.

There is no registration fee. Bakers of all skill levels are encouraged to take part in this beloved holiday event. Over 8,000 people will pass through the museum in December to marvel at this free gingerbread display. Be a part of the holiday magic! ❄️

In Portsmouth, we ring bells at exactly 3:47 pm on September 5 to commemorate the exact time the Portsmouth Peace Treaty...
08/31/2026

In Portsmouth, we ring bells at exactly 3:47 pm on September 5 to commemorate the exact time the Portsmouth Peace Treaty was signed in 1905, ending the Russo-Japanese War. Each year, we welcome you to join us under the Japanese cherry tree behind the John Paul Jones House and take part in this celebratory bell ringing to mark our city's role in a pivotal moment in the pursuit of peace.

All day on September 5, we're offering FREE ADMISSION to the John Paul Jones House and are staying open until 5:00 pm for those who wish to visit after the bell ringing.

For more information, visit https://portsmouthhistory.org/event/peace-treaty-day-2026/

Go behind the scenes at the John Paul Jones House!Join us on September 25 at 5:30 pm for a special Behind-The-Scenes Joh...
08/30/2026

Go behind the scenes at the John Paul Jones House!

Join us on September 25 at 5:30 pm for a special Behind-The-Scenes John Paul Jones House Tour offering a closer look at our collection and a first glimpse at the stories and artifacts that will continue to tell Portsmouth's story into the modern day in our upcoming installation: "A Century of Change: Portsmouth in the Twentieth Century".

Get an insider’s look at fascinating objects from our collection, hear the stories behind them, and discover how we’re bringing Portsmouth’s 20th-century history to life. Best of all, your participation supports Adopt an Artifact, a fundraiser making this exciting new installation possible.

Come curious. Leave inspired. And maybe find an artifact you’d like to adopt!
Get your tickets: https://portsmouthhistory.org/event/behind-the-scenes-sept/

You know that ship at the center of the New Hampshire state seal and flag? That was the Raleigh, built in Portsmouth du...
08/29/2026



You know that ship at the center of the New Hampshire state seal and flag? That was the Raleigh, built in Portsmouth during the American Revolution.

Continental Congress knew the British Navy would be a threat to the fledgling nation, and in October of 1775, a naval committee began to purchase vessels suitable for war and also arranged for the construction of these warships (primarily frigates). The Raleigh was one of these frigates.

This modern model is on display in our "Revolutionary Portsmouth" exhibition at the John Paul Jones House. Visit and learn more about Portsmouth's role in the early days of our nation.
Learn more about items in the collection using our online catalogue: https://hub.catalogit.app/portsmouth-historical-society

The final Betty & Barney Curator Tour is just around the corner!Join us on Friday, September 4, at 12:00 or 5:30 pm for ...
08/28/2026

The final Betty & Barney Curator Tour is just around the corner!

Join us on Friday, September 4, at 12:00 or 5:30 pm for one last chance to walk through the exhibition with our curator. Hear more about their fascinating lives, all the alien reports that we couldn't fit on the walls, and more about how the exhibition came together. We've loved hearing from so many people who had the pleasure of knowing Betty and Barney Hill personally on these tours. Stop by for this free tour and experience this memorable exhibition.

Can't make it on Friday? Join us on September 12 for a Curator Tour and Reception with Kathleen Marden (Betty Hill's niece).

Let your setting be part of the occasion.Planning a meeting, celebration, or special gathering in Portsmouth? Our histor...
08/26/2026

Let your setting be part of the occasion.

Planning a meeting, celebration, or special gathering in Portsmouth? Our historic spaces offer a unique backdrop in the heart of downtown, surrounded by art and historic charm.

Our space is ideal for lectures, business meetings, presentations, and workshops, with in-house AV equipment. For celebrations, our museum gallery offers beautiful windows and abundant natural light, perfect for cocktail parties, receptions, and more. Did we mention you can also rent the lawn of the John Paul Jones House for the perfect outdoor event to soak in the end of summer?

Interested in hosting your next event with us? Get in touch to schedule a tour.
https://portsmouthhistory.org/private-events/

Looking for a fun and educational family activity?Step into the past with the Historical Society’s walking tours! Whethe...
08/25/2026

Looking for a fun and educational family activity?

Step into the past with the Historical Society’s walking tours! Whether your family loves history, local stories, or simply exploring Portsmouth on foot, there’s a tour for everyone.

Choose from:
🏛️ Historic Portsmouth – Discover the people, places, and stories that shaped the city.
👩 Women of Portsmouth – Learn about the remarkable women who helped shape Portsmouth’s history.
🇺🇸 From Loyalist to Liberty – Explore Portsmouth’s journey through the American Revolution.
🌈 Gay Old Portsmouth – Discover LGBTQ+ history and stories from Portsmouth’s past.
👟 Extended Historic Portsmouth – Take a longer walk and dive even deeper into the city’s fascinating history.

Make a day of it. Bring the family, get some fresh air, and see Portsmouth through a whole new lens! https://portsmouthhistory.org/walking-tours/

🎶 History meets Broadway at the Hamilton Sing-Along in the Park! 🇺🇸🎤Gather your family and friends for a night of music,...
08/24/2026

🎶 History meets Broadway at the Hamilton Sing-Along in the Park! 🇺🇸🎤

Gather your family and friends for a night of music, fun, and history under the stars! Join us at Prescott Park on September 4 at 8:00 PM for Hamilton Trivia and a spirited sing-along featuring songs from Hamilton, recorded on Broadway and featuring much of the original cast.

Whether you know every word or just want to enjoy the show, come celebrate the history, music, and energy of one of Broadway’s biggest hits!

📍 Prescott Park
📅 September 4, 2026
⏰ 8:00 PM

Bring your singing voice and get ready to raise a glass (or a chorus) to history!

🎉 Please join us in welcoming Kristen Peterson to the Portsmouth Historical Society’s Board of Trustees!Kristen is excit...
08/23/2026

🎉 Please join us in welcoming Kristen Peterson to the Portsmouth Historical Society’s Board of Trustees!

Kristen is excited to join the Portsmouth Historical Society as a new member of its Board of Trustees. A historic preservation professional, consultant, and community volunteer based in Portsmouth, she holds a Master’s degree in Museum Studies from Johns Hopkins University and studied and worked in fresco restoration in Florence, Italy. Kristen’s experience spans historic preservation, collections, archives, and property management, including recent consulting work for Strawbery Banke Museum’s Heritage House Program. She is also a board member with the Portsmouth Archive Center and a Proprietor at the Portsmouth Athenaeum. Kristen also works as a real estate property closing agent with Cornerstone Title in Portsmouth.

We’re excited to have Kristen bring her experience, enthusiasm, and passion for our community to the Board. We look forward to the energy and perspective she’ll bring as we continue our work of preserving and sharing Portsmouth’s rich history.

Welcome, Kristen! We’re so glad to have you on board. 👏🏛️

Address

10 Middle Street
Portsmouth, NH
03801

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

(603) 436-8433

Website

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