Vintage frights rule the night at the Victorian Halloween Party

by Portsmouth Historical Society | Oct 7, 2024 | News

Enjoy an evening of vintage frights, make-your-own masquerade masks, artisanal pumpkin painting, tarot readings at the Portsmouth Historical Society’s Victorian Halloween Party.

Halloween in Portsmouth is full of spooky thrills and holiday fun. The Portsmouth Historical Society is adding their after-hours Victorian Halloween Party to the options for thrill seekers on Friday, October 25 from 7:30–10 p.m. Enjoy an evening of vintage frights, make-your-own masquerade masks, artisanal pumpkin painting, tarot readings by Kate, The Laundress, and more.

Attendees are invited to don their best Victorian garb, so be sure to dust off your trained skirts and top hats, but any Halloween costume, historic or otherwise, will do. This spooky soirée includes wine, hors d’oeuvres, and of course, plenty of Halloween candy.

The Victorian Era was full of eerie delights, with a widespread fascination with spiritualism, seances, and the macabre. This theme ties in with the current “The Matter of Memory” exhibition at the Portsmouth Historical Society, which features many 19th-century objects.

Portsmouth Historical Society’s Director of Community Engagement, Sarah Robbitts-Terry, drew inspiration from one of her favorite items in the collection, “A gorgeously intricate mourning hair wreath that was made with the actual hair of multiple women from the family.” In addition to enjoying the more haunting items of the collection, she hopes that, “guests have a lovely spooky evening and support the work of the Historical Society.”

Step back in time and get in touch with the ancestors for a fun-filled evening with the Portsmouth Historical Society. The event will be held at 10 Middle Street in Portsmouth. Tickets are $65 for members or $75 for non-members, and proceeds will support the Society’s work bringing Portsmouth history to life. Secure your spot today by visiting https://portsmouthhistory.org/event/halloween-party/.

Thank you to Historical Society volunteer Mike Dunbar for helping to draft this press release.

Preservation Work at the Portsmouth Historical Society

by Portsmouth Historical Society | Oct 4, 2024 | News

Painters working outside the Morton Benedict House

New woodwork and paint will help keep the facade of 30 MIddle Street look fresh for years to come.

With several historic properties dating as far back as 1758, the Portsmouth Historical Society has been hard at work this year maintaining their properties for the next hundred years. The most noticeable of these projects has been the restoration of the Morton-Benedict House, located at 30 Middle Street. Over the course of the year, rotten woodwork was replaced; brickwork was cleaned, removing decades of build-up from passing cars on Middle Street; and a new coat of paint was applied to both new and old woodwork to preserve intricate detailing.
“Walking up to the Morton Benedict House is a completely different experience thanks to the restoration work,” said Emma Stratton, Portsmouth Historical Society Executive Director. “Not only does the building look refreshed, but this work will ensure the long-term preservation of the building, sealing it from rain damage and maintaining the integrity of the brickwork.”
This facade restoration project has been made possible through a grant from The 1772 Foundation in cooperation with the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance.
Adjacent to the Morton-Benedict House lies a 1975 expansion that now houses the Seacoast African American Cultural Center. Thanks to a Moose Plate Grant, the curtain wall was extensively repaired to address ongoing leaks. Additional masonry repairs on the building continue this fall.
“We appreciate all the grants and organizations who value the preservation of Portsmouth’s history and material culture and who have helped us preserve our buildings to welcome more visitors to our city,” said Development Manager, Kim Simmons.
Further improvements were made this summer to the main entrance of the Historical Society building. Masonry repairs were done to the entry stairwell brickwork by a local masonry company, PNH Construction, who generously donated their time and materials.
All of these projects are complemented by the ongoing work by the City of Portsmouth Department of Public Works reconfiguring of a new accessibility ramp. This project, expected to be completed over the next several months, will update the accessibility ramp to meet current ADA standards and allow guests of all abilities to enjoy the Portsmouth Historical Society.

Portsmouth Historical Society Celebrates “The Matter of Memory” Exhibition With Award Ceremony and Closing Reception on October 4

by Portsmouth Historical Society | Sep 24, 2024 | News

Diane St. Jean with her award-winning artwork “Wedding Day, 1924.” This linocut is based on a family photograph of the artist’s grandmother surrounded by enigmatic imagery that may reflect the woman’s past or future.

The Portsmouth Historical Society and New Hampshire Art Association invite the community to celebrate the closing of “The Matter of Memory” exhibition with a People’s Choice Award reception on Friday, October 4, from 5-8 pm. This free event, held during Art ‘Round Town, will feature opening remarks at 5:45 pm followed by the announcement of the People’s Choice Award winner.

The People’s Choice Award winner will be selected from the more than 50 pieces on display. These works from regional artists—ranging from paintings and photographs to sculpture—meditate on the concept of memory, and how we reconstruct the past. Museum visitors can still vote for their favorite work until October 3. The winner will receive a cash prize sponsored by Blick Art Materials.

Portsmouth Historical Society’s Executive Director Emma Stratton stated, “We were thrilled to partner with NH Art Association to showcase such incredible local talent in our exhibition. Each work tells its own unique story, and we hope visitors will be inspired to take home a piece of local art, supporting both our vibrant arts community and our Historical Society.”

All works in the exhibition are available for sale, supporting both local artists and the Portsmouth Historical Society. Notable pieces include Rhonda Besaw’s The Strength of the Nation Lies with the Women—we remember, a blazing red, Wabanaki-style beadwork collar, which won the Judges’ first place prize earlier this year and Diane St. Jean’s Wedding Day 1924, a linocut portrait of the artist’s grandmother as a young bride.. The exhibition runs through October 13.

This event is free of charge as part of the Portsmouth Historical Society’s Free First Friday program. Light refreshments will be served. The award ceremony and closing reception will be held in the second-floor gallery at the Portsmouth Historical Society’s 10 Middle Street location.

Add the Closing Reception to your calendar

Thank you to our volunteer, Mike Dunbar, for helping draft this press release.

Upstairs with the Furniture Masters: Celebrating Our 30th Year

by Portsmouth Historical Society | Sep 5, 2024 | Exhibitions

November 29–December 30, 2024

The NH Furniture Masters kick off their 30th Anniversary Exhibition Series with a holiday exhibition at the Portsmouth Historical Society, on display November 29–December 30. An Opening Reception will be held on Thursday, December 12 from 5:30–7:00 pm, free and open to the public.

"Horse and Giraffe" table and chairs by Jeffrey Cooper

Jeff Cooper, More from the Menagerie

“Upstairs with the Furniture Masters” features a variety of holiday gift items alongside an extraordinary collection of studio-made, handcrafted fine furniture made by members of the organization. Many pieces on display are available for purchase.

This exhibition is the first in a series of events culminating in a 30th anniversary showcase exhibition at the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, which will be on display October 2025 through January 2026.

Tim Coleman, Jacks Table

Ted Blachly, Ash Desk, detail

About the NH Furniture Masters

The NH Furniture Masters is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and perpetuating the centuries old tradition of fine furniture making. The group, comprised of over 25 professional furniture makers, has been a beacon of excellence in the world of fine furniture craftsmanship for three decades. The NH Furniture Masters promote the growth and sales of fine furniture made by its members through hosting exhibitions and administer a variety of educational initiatives including Prison Outreach Programs at the NH State Prison for Men, Maine State Prison, and NH Correctional Facility for Women. To learn more and support the NH Furniture Masters, visit www.furnituremasters.org.

34th Annual Gingerbread House Contest

by Portsmouth Historical Society | Sep 2, 2024 | Exhibitions

Relive Holiday Memories with our annual Gingerbread House Contest!

November 29–December 30

Open Daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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Events

Voting & Awards

Raffle Houses

Holiday Hours

Christmas Eve open 10 am–2 pm
Christmas Day Closed
December 26-30 open 10 am– 4 pm

Theme for 2024: Holiday Memories

Recreate your favorite holiday memory out of gingerbread! It could be an indoor scene with everyone snuggled around a cozy fire, a candy cane tree farm, a poured sugar ice skating rink – anything that takes you back to a treasured moment. Infamous memories are welcome as well – the aftermath of an epic silly string fight, the time the turkey caught fire, any story that brings a smile to your face when you tell it is fair game.

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Programs and Events

Gingerbread House Workshop on Saturday, November 9 at 11 am and 1 pm. Option to buy a gingerbread kit included. Image shows a cute, small gingerbread house on a blue background

Gingerbread House Workshop
Saturday, November 9, 11am & 1pm

Gingerbread opening reception and Judge's Award presentation on Friday, December 6, 5:30-7:30 pm. Free and open to the public

Gingerbread Reception and Awards Party
Friday, December 6, 5:30–7:30 pm

Family Cookie Swap, Saturday December 14, 1–3pm

Family Favorite Cookie Swap
Saturday, December 14, 1–3 pm

Gingerbread Smash on Saturday, January 4.

Gingerbread Smash
Saturday, January 4, 1 pm

Extended Gingerbread Hours:

Saturday, December 7 open until 9 pm for Shop & Stroll
Friday, December 13 open until 8 pm
Friday, December 20 open until 8 pm

Tips and Tricks Tours: December 13 & 20, 5:30–6:30 pm

Member-Exclusive Viewing:

Wednesday, December 11, 9–10 am
Wednesday, December 18, 5–6 pm

Gingerbread viewing, refreshments, and gift wrapping

Holiday Hours:

Christmas Eve open 10 am–2 pm
Christmas Day Closed
December 26-30 open 10 am– 4 pm

Community Judge’s Awards

It’s always such a difficult job to judge the Gingerbread Contest. Let’s give our judges a round of applause for their hard work!

Adult Category

The adult winner is Greenhouse at Snug Harbor Farm by Alex Lewis, Ali White, Doreen Lewis.

Snow covered cozy houses took home the top prizes for a competitive adult category. With so many funny memories and creative use of material and techniques the houses stunned judges and visitors alike!

Honorable mention goes to first-time entrant Ellen Forget’s Forget-Me-Not.

Multi-Generational Category

This category encourages loved ones of all ages to come together and get creative with gingerbread.

The Whaleback Lighthouse, a beloved Portsmouth landmark took home the honorable mention. Made by Hunter, Jason, and Susan Kindstedt.

A real-life camping trip was the inspiration behind the The Reisdorfs’ award-winning Bus Adventure.

Teen Category

The winner is Winter Wonderland by Elin Maffee and Zola Pezzetti.

We are so happy to have these fantastically creative teens entries!

The award for honorable mention goes to Karalynn Daughan’s Sledding Party at Home.

Youth Category

We are always impressed by our youngest bakers… and curious how much candy was consumed in the making of these entries.

Our youth winner drew inspiration from Strawbery Banke’s Puddle Dock Barnyard, made by Cole Dinulos.

The Students of the Children’s Garden’s Children’s Garden Express took home the honorable mention.

Business or Organization Category

Having picked up a few construction tips and trick at our Gingerbread Workshop the Portsmouth Believer’s Church, Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, won an honorable mention.

Make-A-Wish New Hampshire’s Libby Giordano took home the prize for her striking blue and white Holiday Bed and Breakfast.

Staff Picks

Portsmouth Historical Society staff selected these two first time entries to celebrate their ambitious and delicate construction, their ambitious use of gingerbread techniques, and a creatively thematic approach to material selection.

Linda Roth’s Christmas at the Greenhouse takes home Best FirstiTime Entry for her ambitious and soaring construction and attention to deatil.

An honorable mention also goes to Rockport Shack + Schooner Olad by Kenna Sloane for some incredible sugar work and the very clever use of nori, a savory ingredient we haven’t seen used in the Gingerbread Contest before.

Best in Show

The Judges’ Award for best in show goes to the massive North Pole Gingerbread Factory by Libby Giordano.

A close runner-up was the incredibly detailed Holiday Memory: Twas the Night Before Christmas by Lindsay Carroll. Be sure to take a close look through each of the windows when you visit, you might just be surprised about all you may find.

Gingerbread House Raffle

Win a gingerbread creation to take home as a holiday centerpiece! Raffle tickets are $1, and winners will be notified on December 17, and they may pick up the house won on Sunday, December 22 between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm, or on Monday, December 23, between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Red two-story Gingerbread House with many details

Help Support Preservation in Portsmouth with a Cookie Plaque

Help support Portsmouth Historical Society and the Portsmouth Advocates’ efforts to preserve our historic architecture. Just like the plaques in our Historic House Plaque Program, you can buy a cookie plaque for your gingerbread creation! Just $5 for members, and $10 for non-members.

If you live in an historic home, check out the Plaque Program. You can start the process of commissioning a plaque and research the history of your house!