“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…