Our exhibitions, Museum Shop, and Welcome Center are closed to the public. Our offices will still be open by phone, email, or by appointment, and the online Museum Shop will still be taking orders.
Time to Kick-off the Holiday Season!
All We’re Missing is Some Snow! It’s December, we’re halfway through Hanukkah, and Santa’s getting one last surf in before he has to get to work! You can see this fantastic holiday creation and many, many more at the 31st Annual Gingerbread House Competition & Exhibition, on display daily, from 10am to 5pm, through December…
Members-only Holiday Sip & Shop
Portsmouth Historical Society Members are invited to an exclusive shopping event at our Discover Portsmouth Museum Shop on Wednesday, December 85:00 pm to 7:00 pm. We will have refreshments and snacks! Members get 10% off in the Shop, and we have a gift for everyone on your list. RSVP for the Holiday Sip & Shop
Happy Thanksgiving!
Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibition Opens Black Friday at 10am! The houses just get more impressive every year! We’ve got churches, ski slopes, Georgian homes, Victorian castles, a dog house, a stage, two sugar shacks, a sledding hill, the abode of a Disney princess, and even an Instagrammable plate of pasta! Open, free to the…
31st Annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibition
It’s that time again! Join us at Portsmouth Historical Society as we celebrate this sweet season with the 31st Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibition from November 26 through December 22 at the Portsmouth Historical Society’s Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center. Once again, everyone is getting a little sugar as we take the contestant creations to…
Only Three Days Left!
The last day to see Abstracting the Seacoast is this Thursday, November 18! James Haller:Presentation & Book SigningThursday, Nov. 18, 5:30 pm-7pm James Haller will be here Thursday evening to present his new book, At the End of Ceres Street, and to sign copies! The book is available for pre-order now! RSVP not required for this event, but…
John Paul Jones House open for Veterans Day!
Lunchtime Tour of the Gallery! If you missed last Friday’s lunchtime tour, you have another chance! Stop by this Friday, November 12, at noon and hear the artists’ perspectives on their own work! This short, half-hour tour is FREE, and there’s no need to RSVP! There’s Still Time! A team from Bangor Savings Bank, one of our…
An Enlightened Lunch Break
“Abstracting the Seacoast” Artists’ Gallery Tour Join us for a free gallery tour with the abstract painters of “Abstracting the Seacoast!” This Friday from 12:00 to 12:30, Dustan Knight and Peter Cady will be in the gallery to talk about their work and the creative process. No reservations necessary, just stop on by! Above: Peter…
Fall is Here!
John Forti Book Signing Join us on Wednesday, October 27 from 5:30 to 7pm to meet local legend and gardening master John Forti! He’ll be on hand to sign copies of his latest book, The Heirloom Gardner: Traditional Plants and Skills for the Modern World. Please note that for large, indoor gatherings such as these, we are requiring…
Get Your Copy of “Point of Graves” Signed by the Author!
Thursday, October 7 at 5:30pm J. Dennis Robinson will be here to sign copies of his new, thrilling murder mystery that takes place in Portsmouth (and features our very own John Paul Jones House!) Can’t make it? Get your copy at the online Museum Shop. We’ll also be announcing the winners of this year’s Young Writer’s Contest and…
Celebrating the Fall!
So Many Local Artists Will Be Here for Exhibition Opening Reception! Join us 5:30–8:00 pm on Friday, October 1, to open our fall exhibitions! We’ll have no fewer than SIX photographers in house, whose work is featured in the “New Hampshire Now” exhibition: Dan GingrasDavid MurrayEffie MalleyKen GoldmanPeter E. RandallMichael Sterling Plus, our five local…
Abstracting the Seacoast
October 1 through November 18 Open daily, 10am to 5pm Free to all! In five highly individual styles, “Abstracting the Seacoast” evokes the smell of the salt marsh, the call of seagulls, and the crash of the waves along the coast. It brings to mind the bustle of the docks loading and unloading, while the…
Coming October 1: “Abstracting the Seacoast”
Five Local Painters’ Explore Our Landscape Opening October 1, Tom Glover, Peter Cady, Brian Chu, Dustan Knight, and Barbara Adams will share work created over the past two years. They worked together to find new ways of portraying their appreciation for this unique costal area in five highly individual styles. Red Dot Sale in the…
NH Now: A Photographic Diary of Life in the Granite State
The Portsmouth Historical Society presents a panel discussion exploring the New Hampshire Now exhibition with art historian Inez McDermott and photographers Dan Gingras, Michael Sterling, and Gary Samson. The panel will discuss the role of the documentary photography project throughout American history and its potential to make change as they make connections with the images and themes…
Final Days!
This is your very last chance to see our amazing exhibitions, “Twilight of American Impressionism” and “Don Gorvett: Working Waterfronts” before they close THIS SUNDAY, 9/12, at 5pm! New Hampshire Now:A Photographic Diary of Life in the Granite State Opening October 1 at eight locations across, “New Hampshire Now: A Photographic Diary of the Granite State”! This…
Zoom Lecture for “Twilight”
Many of you received postcards for a end-of-season “Members Only” reception. Shortly after mailing, the COVID situation changed, and we had to adjust our expectations for this event. We felt it was important to proceed with caution by limiting attendance and not serving any food. However, because we couldn’t have the celebration we hoped for,…
Arts in the Afternoon Has Been Stopping by…
And the kids love art! Above, our very own Robin Lurie-Meyerkopf talks to a group of Arts in the Afternoon summer camp kids! We’ve had such a great response from all the kids and their families. Thanks to the Portsmouth Rec Department for including us! Art ‘Round Town Friday, August 6 First Free Friday next…
Meet the artist and try printmaking with the kids!
Don Gorvett Lunchtime Gallery Tours Stop by at noon on July 30 or August 6 (both Fridays) for a half-hour tour of “Working Waterfronts” with the artist himself, Don Gorvett! The tour is open to the public, no reservations required, and there isn’t an additional fee beyond the price of admission! Potato Prints with Portsmouth…
Happy Birthday Captain Jones!
Great Bay Sailor will provide the music!12pm – 2pm Lawn Games for kids of all ages! Join us in the garden at 43 Middle Street on Sunday, July 1111am – 5pm to celebrate the birthday of the father of the American navy! at 1pm there will be CAKE! Plus FREE Admission to the John Paul…
July 2 Free Admission & Open until 8pm
Retro Roadtripper Raffle! Tomorrow evening only! Get 10% off one of our fun Portsmouth stemless wine glasses at Art ‘Round Town tomorrow between 5 and 8pm – and use it on the spot for a free sip of vino Our featured artist this month for Art ‘Round Town is Josh Hrehovcik! He’ll be in the Museum Shop from…
Portsmouth Treasures: A Century of Collecting At Portsmouth Historical Society
May 28, 2021–October 11, 2021 at the John Paul Jones Historic House Museum43 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH Open 7 days, 11 am–5 pm Admission: FREEFREEFREEFREE$7.50 Portsmouth Historical Society MembersSeniors 70+Children under 18Active & retired militaryAdults Admission grants access to the John Paul Jones Historic House Museum at 43 Middle Street, at the galleries in the…
“Portsmouth Treasures” Exhibition Celebrating 100 Years of Saving History at the John Paul Jones House
The John Paul Jones Historic House Museum opened to the public in 1920, and to celebrate (only slightly belatedly) its centennial, we’ve put on a display of the incredibly wide variety of objects the Portsmouth Historical Society collects. A “birdcage” Windsor rocking chair, portraits of local “clothier” Benjamin Cheever and his wife Mary, an 1813 map of Portsmouth’s “compact” downtown region, a circular maple table that once belonged to an enslaved woman, a baseball bat from a losing game in 1866, a 1660 embroidered mirror, a top hat, miniature paintings, a purloined sword, memorabilia of ale-maker Frank Jones, and “Uncle Billy’s Sunday Leg,” worn (for Sunday best only) by William Dunn after he lost his leg in the war of 1812.
Happy Juneteenth, Our Newest Federal Holiday!🎆
John Paul Jones TONIGHT! Bring Dad for a screening of the 1959 classic film John Paul Jones to kick off Father’s Day weekend! 6:00pm tonight Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center FREE for all! Today is Member Appreciation Day! Today is double-discount day in the shop for members! Get your Historical Society swag and show your support! Fathers Free…
Meet the Man Behind the Art
“Don Gorvett: Working Waterfronts” Lecture June 17, 20216:30 pm Join us in person or online! FREE for members$15 for non-members Membership Month Winners! CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of Portsmouth Historical Society’s Membership Month raffle. Everyone who joined or renewed in the month of May was entered into a drawing for a private historical walking tour…
Free Admission for All June 4!
Art ‘Round Town Featured Artist:Lennie Mullaney We are open and free to the public on the first Friday of the month, June 4! Plus, we’re open until 8pm for Art ‘Round Town! Artist Lennie Mullaney will be on hand to talk about her work! Much of her work is done “en plein aire”. She is…
Happy Memorial Day
Nothing Like a Picnic to Kick off the Holiday Weekend! “Historical” photo, dating way back to May 27, 2021, by Ken Goldman, kenphotogeek.com Thank You, Volunteers! Yesterday was the perfect weather for our Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. Several of our dedicated volunteers and walking tour guides attended a lovely outdoor lunch where we all got to…
Time to HIT THE DECKS!
Discounts, promos, and special events all across Portsmouth! Hit the Decks is happening all across Portsmouth! Friday and Sunday Free admission to our exhibitions “Twilight of American Impressionism” and “Don Gorvett: Working Waterfronts” when you mention the Portsmouth Chamber or Hit the Decks! Our own Portsmouth swag on sale for Hit the Decks! 10% off these…
Free Admission Tomorrow
Meet the Artists at Art ‘Round Town Tomorrow is the first Friday in May, and Portsmouth Historical Society is FREE ALL DAY! PLUS! We’re open until 8pm for Art ‘Round Town. Meet the Artists! Judy Schubert and Don Gorvett will here to meet and greet! Stop by between 5 and 8 pm. Thank You to All Mothers! This…
A Special Thank You to our Volunteers
It’s National Volunteer Week, and boy, do we have some fabulous volunteers! We couldn’t do it without you! Just this week, our flower beds are looking neat and refreshed for spring, thanks to Jule Rafuse and Norm LeBel, who put in multiple hours of work getting our perennials presentable! Thank you! Young Writers Contest is…
2021 Young Writers Contest
Visit the exhibitions and GET INSPIRED Select a work of art and start writing! You can write a poem, story, essay, play or dialogue, newspaper article, or any other kind of writing! All entries must be submitted by midnight onMonday, September 13, 2021. Visit Portsmouth Historical Society and check out the art on display in…
Exhibitions Receiving Rave Reviews
After a long winter, visitors are loving the fabulous art on display! Between “Twilight of American Impressionism” and “Don Gorvett: Working Waterfronts,” there’s definitely something for everyone! Admission to Portsmouth Historical Society’s exhibitions is $7.50 for adults. Admission is FREE to: Historical Society Members children under 18 seniors 70 and over active & retired military…
We’re Open!
😲 Look! Real people, out and about! So glad to be getting back into the swing of things! History, Arts, and Culture Are Open for the Season! We are back for 2021! We’ve got some AMAZING exhibitions, a wonderful gift shop, and our friendly staff and volunteers can’t wait to see you! We’re still being…
“Twilight of American Impressionism” & “Working Waterfronts” at Portsmouth Historical Society
More images available at Twilight and Waterfronts FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Meredith Affleck, Manager, Exhibitions & Programming Meredith@portsmouthhistory.org 603-570-2493 Sublime Impressionist paintings and powerful expressionist woodcuts are featured in two exhibitions of very different styles of art, both produced by artists with roots in the area. On display at Portsmouth Historical Society’s galleries through September 12,…
Spring Is Here, and Portsmouth Historical Society is Open!
The witch hazel is blooming outside the Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center! Spring has definitely arrived! The Welcome Center is open10 am to 5 pmSeven days a week! Please note that we are still following health and safety protocols, asking all visitors to wear masks and follow a one-way route through the gallery, with a maximum…
Hard-Working Art
Above: Don Gorvett, Bend in the River, Bow and Ceres, 2016. Reduction woodcut; 21 x 40 in. Collection of Nancy and Brian Pearson. “Don Gorvett: Working Waterfronts” April 2, 20201–September 12, 2021 at the Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH Open 7 days, 10 am–5 pm starting April 1st “Don Gorvett: Working Waterfronts” presents…
Don Gorvett: Working Waterfronts
Don Gorvett: Working Waterfronts” presents over sixty works by this famed seacoast master printmaker highlighting the dynamic commercial harbors of the region. Renowned for his imaginative seascapes and “boat portraits,” Gorvett’s work celebrates the mechanical and gritty alongside the serene and picturesque.
A Visual Feast!
“Twilight of American Impressionism: Alice Ruggles Sohier & Frederick A. Bosley” Opening to the public on April 2 is our long-awaited exhibition on two unsung artists of the Boston School of painting. Alice Ruggles Sohier and Frederick A. Bosley were talented students of Edmund Tarbell (Bosley even took over Tarbell’s job after his retirement). While…
Twilight of American Impressionism
“Twilight of American Impressionism” showcases the largely unsung talents of Alice Ruggles Sohier and Frederick A. Bosley, two American impressionists working at a time when realistic art was falling out of fashion and abstract art was in vogue. These two artists created works of profound quality and depth in the midst of the rapidly changing inter-war era. Their successes and failures offer insight into the difficulty of coping with rapid societal change, and their work, rarely seen in public since it was first painted, reminds us that great art, while not always trendy, stands the test of time. William Brewster, guest curator and descendant of both Sohier and Bosley, brings his unparalleled knowledge of the two artists to the project.
Opening April 2, 2021
“Twilight of American Impressionism: Alice Ruggles Sohier and Frederick A. Bosley” “Twilight of American Impressionism” showcases the largely unsung talents of Alice Ruggles Sohier and Frederick A. Bosley, two American impressionists working at a time when realistic art was falling out of fashion and abstract art was in vogue. These two artists created works of…
Spring Is Coming Soon
No, this isn’t a current photo of the dogwood tree at JPJ, but it’s cold here at the home office, so some sunshine was needed. Soon, the snow will melt and the flowers will bloom! Our Warmest Thanks to the Thaxter Foundation The Portsmouth Historical Society recently received a grant from the Rosamond Thaxter Foundation for an…
We 💗 Black History
Does Someone Need a Hug? Send an Obama Hug for Valentine’s Day AND Black History Month! The Seacoast African American Cultural Center is teaming up with the Historical Society to offer these funny and heartwarming cards, featuring the friendly grin of our huggiest-ever president! This unique and oversized card (those hands are nearly life-sized!) is…
Celebrate Black History Month
Lives of Consequence by Patricia Q. Wall Based on careful research conducted over many years by Patricia Q. Wall, this book presents the first detailed look at the lives of more than four hundred black individuals who lived in Kittery and Berwick, Maine, from the seventeenth century until about 1820. Pat has patiently combed the…
Tea Time
Recent Acquisition: Tea Urn Did you think those caterer’s urns with spigots were a 20th-century invention? Not so! Urns with spigots to dispense hot water (because the proper way to do it is to put the tea leaves in the tea pot) have been around since the 18th century. This monumental tea urn, seen here…
So Long, 2020
Thank YOU! We’re all glad to see the back of 2020, but we need to take a moment and say THANK YOU to all our supporters who made it possible for us to reach 2021. We are constantly amazed by the generosity and enthusiasm of our members, donors, sponsors, and public. We truly couldn’t do…
New Year, New Plans!
We are now closed to the public until April, but this doesn’t mean we’re not still hard at work! We’ve got big plans for the “off season.” Stay tuned for all the details! Jigsaw Puzzle Contest! Our store manager, Beth, has put this fabulous jigsaw puzzle on sale for $20! Featuring the beautiful silk quilt…
Closed for the Season
Portsmouth Historical Society and the Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center are now closed for the winter. See you in April, 2021! Our staff is still working, but mostly from home. If you need to get in touch, stop by, or get assistance with something, please get in touch by phone (603.436.8433) or email! Our staff list…
The Year of Zoom is Almost Over
Get your holiday shopping done! FREE shipping on books through December 31! Use code books at checkout. Store Manager Extraordinaire Beth is adding new titles every day. Check out the books available in our online shop now! * 25% off all merchandise in-store on December 23rd! The store will be open to the public from…
Advocates Awards 2020
Since 1989, Portsmouth Advocates have bestowed awards of excellence to owners, designers and contractors whose exceptional work enhances the city’s unique historic character. The winners demonstrate a commitment to historic preservation and make Portsmouth a better place to live and work. While we typically gather together for an evening of celebration and camaraderie, we have…
✡ Happy Hanukkah ✡
The festival of lights starts this evening, and we know many of you are busy wrapping gifts, cooking feasts, and lighting candles. All the best to you and your family! The Hanukkah card pictured above is available at our Museum Shop! Stop by online or in person today! In the News! Did you see us…
Covered in the Union Leader & Featured on NH Chronicle!
Jackie van Berlo and her recreation of Ceres Bakery featured in the Union Leader: “‘Mad scientist’ of a baker recreates Portsmouth’s Ceres Bakery one tiny croissant at a time.” Tune into WMUR tonight at 7:00 pm for a special segment on the Gingerbread House Contest, on TV or livestream! Portsmouth Gingerbread Houses Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center Open until 7:00…
30th Annual Gingerbread House Contest
Join us at Portsmouth Historical Society as we celebrate this sweet season with the 30th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibition from November 20 through December 22. This year, we are “taking it to the streets” with gingerbread creations on display both at the Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center and throughout downtown in shop and restaurant…
November 20 – December 23 Open Seven Days!
Gingerbread creations are arriving Preparations are underway to swathe the Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center at 10 Middle Street with as much holiday cheer as we can find! Drop by, see all the gingerbreaddy goodness, vote for the People’s Choice awards, and pick up your stamp sheet for some downtown fun and a chance to win…
Registration Closes MONDAY
Important Gingerbread Dates: Monday, November 9: Registration Deadline Friday, November 13 through Monday, November 16: House drop-off at Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center, 10am to 5pm Friday November 20: Gingerbread House Exhibition opens to the public (early this year!) Starting November 20, we will be open 7 days a week, 10am to 5pm through December 23!…
“Threads” Talk Tonight
Meet the Artists! 7:30pm via Zoom Join us this evening for a more in-depth look at how quilts are made, how quilters work, and what inspires artists! FREE for members$15 for non-members Not yet a member? Join now! Time is Running Out to Register for the Gingerbread House Contest! Registration closes November 9! Don’t have any good…
Meet the Artists this Thursday Evening
“Threads” Virtual Lecture with Contemporary Quilters Thursday, October 29 at 7:30pmvia Zoom FREE for members$15 for non-members Join us for a selection of short presentations and a Q&A with the exhibitors whose work is on display in the balcony of the Academy Gallery. We’ll talk about quilt guilds, quilting technique, alternative uses for quilting skills,…
Call for Entries!
Time for some holiday cheer! See all the details and sign up at www.portsmouthhistory.org/gingerbread Threads Talk October Join us for an evening with our exhibiting quilters! We’ll have a few presentations about quilts and quilting today and then a Q&A session where everyone can ask their burning questions about quilting! Thursday, October 297:30pmvia Zoom FREE…
Gingerbread, Annual Meeting, a Cup of Tea, Plus a Volunteer Spotlight!
Notice of Annual Meeting n accordance with Article 5, Section 1 of the Bylaws of the Portsmouth Historical Society, notice is herewith given to all current Members concerning the date and time of its Annual Meeting, which will take place on Monday, October 19, beginning at 5:30 pm, via online virtual videoconference. Historical Society members…
Online Art Auction Ends October 7
Click here tinyurl.com/yxquydaw PHOTO CAPTION: Bid on over 100 works of art by nearly fifty regional artists. Photos courtesy of the artists and Ken Goldman. Only days remain to bid on over 100 works by regional artists in the Portsmouth Historical Society’s “Jubilee” art auction that ends October 7 at 6pm. Half of the proceeds…
LAST WEEK FOR AUCTION
Bidding Closes October 7 at 6pm. Have Enough Art but Still Want to Help? (can you really have enough art?) Don’t forget our Fund-A-Need campaign to commission a work of art for the Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center! Just follow the auction link and click “Donate Now!” Walking Tours End October 31 It’s the perfect weather…
“Color & Comfort: Quilts in Context” TONIGHT!
“Threads” Lecture at 7:30pm Our very own Gerald W. R. Ward is talking this evening about the deeper meanings and symbolism of quilts and bedcovers. Join us for what is sure to be a fascinating talk! Tonight at 7:30 pm via ZoomMember/Donors: FREENon-Members: $15 Get your tickets here! Jubilee Auction is Turning Heads on Social…
Community Quilts Are on Display!
We are currently open Friday–Monday, 10am–4pm.Stop by and visit our safe, comfortable, and spacious gallery and museum shop, and enjoy the “Threads” exhibition and the Community Quilts! Color & Comfort: Quilts in Context Quilts and coverlets, in addition to being examples of outstanding needlework and beautiful works of art, have symbolic value and functional purposes. They…
City & Historical Society Open Accessible Public Restrooms at Discover Portsmouth
PHOTO CAPTION: City Manager Karen Conard, Portsmouth Historical Society Board President Daniel Hoefle and Facilities Manager Robin Lurie-Meyerkopf cut ribbons officially opening the ”universally accessible” public restrooms at the Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center. (Photo: Raya on Assignment) PORTSMOUTH—Marking the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City of Portsmouth and the Portsmouth…
Jubilee Auction Now Live
Bidding closes Wednesday, October 7, 6pm! No tickets necessary! Click here: tinyurl.com/yxquydaw Arts, history, and culture define Portsmouth, and we realize that the artist community, so integral to the city’s unique character, has been hard hit by the pandemic. Portsmouth Historical Society has also seen financial challenges due to the stay-at-home order and social distancing…
Our Museum Shop is Now Online!
“Threads” Talk Tonight! Above: The center medallion of the “Washington” coverlet, on display in the “Threads” exhibition. Probably made in Bolton, England, ca. 1780; cotton. Portsmouth Historical Society; Gift of Mrs. John F. Tyler (2005.033). “Coverlets & Counterpanes of New Hampshire: Bedcovers for a New Nation” Jubilee Auction of Local Art The local artists participating in…
Votes for Women! Jubilee! Zoom Lecture!
Annual Jubilee Tickets On Sale Now!! Annual Fundraiser will Support Local Artists & Portsmouth Historical Society Our benefit auction through Bidding For Good, featuring more than 50 works of art by local artists, opens to bidding on the evening of September 10th and runs through October 7th. Your winning bid will be split equally between…
7th annual John Paul Jones Jubilee & Auction
Arts, history, and culture define Portsmouth, and we realize that the artist community, so integral to the city’s unique character, has been hard hit by the pandemic. Portsmouth Historical Society has also seen financial challenges due to the stay-at-home order and social distancing requirements. To that end, we have decided to use our annual fundraiser,…
Historical Society’s Annual Fundraiser Goes Online; Event & Auction will “Pay it Forward” to Local Artists
Historical Society’s Annual Fundraiser Goes Online; Event & Auction will “Pay it Forward” to Local Artists PORTSMOUTH – The Portsmouth Historical Society’s 7th annual John Paul Jones Jubilee and Auction will take place virtually on Thursday, September 10 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. This year’s celebration is a benefit designed for two! Arts, history, and…
Community Quilt Update, Next “Threads” Lecture, Jubilee, and more!
Assembly of the community quilt is underway! We have a small committee of volunteers putting together all the squares we received. We plan to reveal our progress at our John Paul Jones Jubilee event (online!) on September 10th! More details and links for tickets to this event farther down. We’ve been busy preparing the quilt…
Updated Hours!
Starting August 7, 2020, the Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center will be open 10:00 am–4:00 pm Friday–Monday
“Threads: A Community Quilt for 2020” Opens at Portsmouth Historical Society on Friday, August 7
“Threads: A Community Quilt for 2020” Opens at Portsmouth Historical Society on Friday, August 7 Quietly, behind the scenes, a team of masked historians has been assembling a landmark exhibition of some uniquely American art. Created by the nonprofit Portsmouth Historical Society, “Threads: A Community Quilt for 2020” opens at the Society’s Academy Gallery adjacent…
Walking Tours Are the Perfect Portsmouth Adventure
Please note that the hours of Walking Tours have changed since this press release was distributed Walking Tours Are the Perfect Portsmouth Adventure Looking for the ideal outdoor activity during these unprecedented times? The Portsmouth Historical Society suggests its historical walking tours, which are totally affordable, super educational, and highly entertaining. They also provide outdoor…
Portsmouth Historical Society Reopening July 10
Portsmouth Historical Society Reopening July 10 PORTSMOUTH — “We are definitely ready!” insists Brian LeMay, director of the Portsmouth Historical Society. “We’re being cautious, but it really seems to be time now to open up and share all the great things we’ve got to offer during the second half of 2020.” The Discover Portsmouth Welcome…
We’re Re-Opening!
The Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center and the John Paul Jones Historic House Museum will be open limited days and hours beginning on July 10, 2020 Friday through Monday11:00 am–4:00 pm The Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center will be open to greet visitors and provide access to our new, universally accessible public restrooms! Historical Walking Tours to…
Portsmouth Historical Society To Open New Doors
Portsmouth Historical Society To Open New Doors The Portsmouth Historical Society’s Discover Portsmouth Center will welcome back residents and visitors with brand new doors. The three sets of plate glass doors leading into the exhibition galleries are a major upgrade to the 1810-era brick building at 10 Middle Street. “The tricky part is being able…
“Threads” Lecture Series
We’ve assembled a stand-out crowd of lecturers for this summer and fall! Textile experts Diane Fagan Affleck, formerly of the American Textile History Museum, Lynne Bassett, author of Northern Comfort: New England’s Early Quilts 1780-1850 and co-author of Homefront & Battlefield: Quilts & Context in the Civil War, Jennifer Swope, Assistant Curator at the MFA’s David and…
Portsmouth Historical Society Launches “Threads” Community Quilt & Exhibition
Portsmouth Historical Society Launches “Threads” Community Quilt & Exhibition Contribute your own creative quilt square from home PORTSMOUTH, NH—In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Portsmouth Historical Society proudly announces “Threads: A Community Quilt for 2020.” The highlight of this special exhibition—opening in early July—will be a large quilt to be stitched together from individual squares created…
THREADS: A Community Quilt for 2020
Quilt Square Instructions: PDF Document Download Make your own square to show what you love about your community and mail it to the Portsmouth Historical Society by June 15th! DEADLINE EXTENDED! Please get your squares in the mail by JULY 13! Download the guidelines PDF for full details! While nothing like the current pandemic has…
#PHSFamilyArtChallenge
Challenge No. 2: John Paul Jones Coat of Arms This coat of arms was copied by Virginial Lowell from an image on file at the Masonic Library in Boston. A coat of arms was meant to tell the history and achievements of a family with images and symbols. John Paul Jones’ arms, therefore, have a…
Our 2020 Schedule & COVID-19 Response
Despite challenging times, Portsmouth Historical Society has exciting plans for this summer! Although we have rescheduled “Twilight of American Impressionism,” and “Don Gorvett: Working Waterfronts” for the 2021 summer season, please check back soon for details about some alternative virtual programs and a major community-wide project that will help see us through the unusual days…
PHS Family Art Challenge
Stuck inside? So are we! So we’re starting a Family Art Challenge at the Portsmouth Historical Society. We’ll be posting some pictures, some coloring pages, and suggestions for creating artwork. We encourage all ages to participate, just post in a comment or use the #PHSFamilyArtChallenge tag. Challenge #1: Milliner’s Box This box is probably from…
Seacoast Arts Organizations’ Call to Action
In times of crisis we come together. Current safety measures now prevent us from doing so in person. This new reality is leaning in on us; its shadow leaving area arts and cultural organizations, and many others around the world, dark. In the spirit of collaboration, we, the Portsmouth area arts nonprofits, make this united…
“Don Gorvett: Working Waterfronts”
RESCHEDULED: Spring/Summer 2021Balcony Gallery at the Portsmouth Historical Society A Massachusetts native, Don was born in Boston in 1949 and spent his youth in Cambridge and Somerville, Massachusetts. He loved the seashore where he swam and fished, and learned about New England’s seafaring industry. When his family moved to Burlington, Massachusetts, Gorvett’s high school art instructor…
“Twilight of American Impressionism”
RESCHEDULED: Spring/Summer 2021Academy Gallery at the Portsmouth Historical Society Alice Ruggles Sohier (1880–1969) and Frederick Andrew Bosley (1881–1942) were Tarbell students, trained at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Related by marriage (Frederick was Alice’s brother-in-law), each artist became a master of the so-called Boston School, creating landscapes, interiors, still lifes, portraits,…