Join us at our Spring Auction, May 7

Support hands-on history and our 3rd grade education program

April 1 – November 2

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

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

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

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Spring Auction

Join us on May 7 for a night of hands-on history.
Light refreshments & beverages provided.
Live and silent auction items.

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Support Portsmouth Historical Society

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Betty & Barney

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

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Spring Auction for Hands on History

Thursday, May 7, 2026
5:30–7:30 pm

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John Paul Jones House

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Historical Walking Tours

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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.

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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.

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Women of Portsmouth Walking Tour

May 13, 2026 @ 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm at Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street by Portsmouth Historical Society | Walking Tours

For over 400 years women have been shaping the course of Portsmouth’s history, learn more on this 90-minute walking tour.

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Loyalist to Liberty Walking Tour

May 15, 2026 @ 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm at Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street by Portsmouth Historical Society | Walking Tours

From a hub of British loyalty a series of events in the 1770s fanned the flames of independence and turned Portsmouth into a hotbed of Patriotism.

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"Gay" Old Times Walking Tour Stories of Portsmouth's LGBTQ+ Community Tour Dates Third Sundays of the month: May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17, September 21, and October 19 Pride Weekend Tour: June 21 at 10 am

“Gay Old Times” LGBTQ+ Walking Tour

May 17, 2026 @ 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm at Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street by Portsmouth Historical Society | Walking Tours

Learn about the hidden history of LGBT clubs, organizations, and people who impacted the Seacoast of NH on this 90-minute walking tour.

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Contact Us

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