Betty & Barney

April 1 – November 2

Alien Abductees. Civil Rights Champions. Pop-Culture Phenomena.

Democracy or monarchy? Patriot or a Loyalist? Learn how Portsmouth citizens made and lived with these difficult choices.

Learn More

Support Portsmouth Historical Society

Donate Today

Contemporary Currents

April 1 – November 14

A joint exhibition with NHAA featuring local artists depicting close encounters, fear of the unknown, civil rights, or feeling “other.”

View the artworks

Young Artist Contest

We invite our young visitors to explore their creativity with our third annual Young Artists Contest!
Accepting both writing and visual art.
For young artists ages 7-18.

Submit by May 31

Support Portsmouth Historical Society

Donate Today

Betty & Barney

Alien Abductees. Civil Rights Champions. Pop-Culture Phenomena.

Learn More

Open May 21–October 31

Young Artist Contest

Open to young artists ages 7-18.
Both visual and written submissions are welcome.
Free to participate.

Submit by May 31

John Paul Jones House

Learn More

Historical Walking Tours

Learn More

Visit Us

Upcoming Events

2026 Young Artists Contest

April 1, 2026 - May 31, 2026 at Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street by Portsmouth Historical Society | Exhibitions Programs

We invite our young visitors to explore their creativity! Visit our exhibitions, find a piece that inspires you, and create your own piece of writing or visual art.

More Info

Image of downtown Portsmouth at the intersection of Market Square. The North Church steeple rises uup into the blue sky at left, a person is walking across the road and three story brick buildings line the right side of the street. Text reads "Daily Walking Tours"

Historic Portsmouth Walking Tours (May-Oct)

May 1, 2026 - June 30, 2026 at Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street by Portsmouth Historical Society | Walking Tours

Learn why Portsmouth is the hub of the New Hampshire Seacoast on a 90-minute walking tour covering over 400 years of history.

More Info

Annual Meeting (Member Event)

May 19, 2026 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street by Portsmouth Historical Society | Welcome Center & Museum Shop Programs

Museum members are invited to join us for the presentation of our 2025 Annual Report, a season preview, exhibition tours, and voting on bylaw changes and Board officers.

More Info

Extended Historic Portsmouth Walking Tour. Two hours, covering all the highlights of the regular tour and more. Taking place on: Tour Dates: May 20 & 27 June 17 & 24 July 15 & 22 August 19 & 26 September 16 & 23 October 21 & 28

Historic Portsmouth Extended Walking Tour

May 20, 2026 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm at Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street by Portsmouth Historical Society | Walking Tours

Stretch your legs on our longest walking tour! This tour includes all the highlights of the Historic Portsmouth tour and gets visitors down to Prescott Park.

More Info

Exterior John Paul Jones House in Portsmouth. Yellow Georgian home.

John Paul Jones House Opening Day

May 21, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm at John Paul Jones House by Portsmouth Historical Society | John Paul Jones Programs

Join us on Thursday, May 21 as we open the John Paul Jones House for the 2026 season. Open Thursday-Monday, 10am–4pm. View the special exhibition "Revolutionary Portsmouth" to learn about life during the American Revolution.

More Info

Contact Us

Five children wave down at the photographer from the upstairs gallery over a white wooden balustrade.