Portsmouth Historic Plaque: Get Started
You’ll receive a confirmation with more details about the next steps in your historic plaque journey. Feel free to reach out to advocates@portsmouthhistory.org with any questions you might have.
Family Days are Free to Attend Thanks to Newburyport Bank Sponsorship
Emma Stratton, Sarah Robbitts-Terry, Kim Simmons, and Jo Ann Klatskin (Newburyport Bank) celebrate the continued sponsorship of Portsmouth Historical Society’s Family Day program.
Every second Saturday, families can flock to Portsmouth Historical Society for free, family-friendly programming. This fun and educational program recently received an additional $5,000 of support from Newburyport Bank.
After a successful pilot year, Program Manager Jenn Thibadeau is excited to expand Family Day offerings, saying: “Thanks to Newburyport Bank we will be able to bring in more educators and partner with other local organizations to provide a variety of engaging activities throughout the year.”
Each month the Historical Society selects a different theme and plans hands-on family-friendly activities based on that theme. The first Family Day of 2024 focused on gardening. Attendees learned about historic gardens and native plants and then made egg-carton greenhouses and seed balls to plant at home. Other Family Day programs include a performance by Lindsay and her Puppet Pals for a theatrical Family Day on May 11, a Doodle Day on June 15, and Colonial Lawn Games on the John Paul Jones House Lawn on July 13.
“We must never take for granted the rich history that exists within our area,” stated Lloyd L. Hamm, President & CEO of the Bank. “And by supporting the Portsmouth Historical Society, we will ensure that for future generations. By protecting and presenting our past, they play an important role in the future of our communities.”
Family Day programs are free and open to the public, while registration is recommended. Family Day programs take place at either the Historical Society, 10 Middle Street, or the John Paul Jones House, 43 Middle Street, every second Sunday of the month.
“The Matter of Memory” Exhibition Explores Recollection and Commemoration
“The Strenght of the Nation Lies with the Women – We Remember” by Rhonda Besaw took first place in the juried portion of “The Matter of Memory” exhibition.
The Portsmouth Historical Society, in collaboration with the New Hampshire Arts Association, is proud to present “The Matter of Memory,” a thought-provoking exhibition that delves into the intricacies of recollection and commemoration. Located at the Portsmouth Historical Society, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, this joint venture brings together contemporary artworks that offer unique responses to the concept of memory.
Since its opening on April 1, “The Matter of Memory” has captivated audiences with its diverse range of artistic expressions. Running until November 3, this exhibition invites visitors to explore the complexities of memory through the lens of contemporary art.
One of the highlights of the exhibition was the recent awards ceremony held on Friday, May 3, where outstanding artworks were recognized for their exceptional contributions. Sponsored by the Puddledock Restaurant, the awards celebrated the talent and creativity of participating artists.
The winners of the awards are as follows:
First Place: “The Strength of the Nation Lies with the Women – we remember” by Rhonda Besaw
Rhonda Besaw’s artwork combines traditional materials and techniques with a modern message, shedding light on the overlooked narratives of Native Americans in New England while emphasizing their enduring presence in contemporary society.
Second Place: “Wedding Day, 1924” by Diane St. Jean
Diane St. Jean’s linocut artwork pays homage to the immigrant experience, capturing the essence of treasured family photographs and the stories they hold within a single page. With intricate symbolism and patterns, St. Jean invites viewers to delve into the rich history of her grandmother’s wedding day.
Third Place: “Truthful Reminiscence” by Maya Michaud
Maya Michaud’s compelling portrait intertwines fragments of newsprint and written word, symbolizing the significance of documents in shaping memories, whether truthful or not. Through meticulous composition, Michaud invites reflection on the nature of remembrance.
In addition to the award-winning artworks, visitors have the opportunity to vote for a People’s Choice favorite, which will be revealed in the final month of the exhibition. The contemporary artworks showcased in the upstairs gallery are available for purchase, including the prize-winning pieces.
“The Matter of Memory” exhibition was made possible through a grant from the Rosamond Thaxter Foundation and the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, underscoring its significance in the local arts community.
Admission pricing for single site admission (either Portsmouth Historical Society or John Paul Jones House) is as follows:
- $10 General
- $5 Discount (for seniors, students, and military personnel)
- $15 Family (two adults, two minors)
- Free for members
We invite members of the public and the local art community to visit “The Matter of Memory” exhibition and engage with the evocative artworks on display. Together, let us explore the intricate interplay of recollection and commemoration in contemporary art.
Finishing Touches
May 24- October 14, 2024
Accessories have been a part of fashion since the beginning of civilization. From jewelry to handkerchiefs, hats to shoes, these items have provided the “finishing touches” to a person’s ensemble. This display highlights items from the collection that would add personality and individuality to the wearer’s outfit as well as demonstrate gender and class. Functional and fashionable, these pieces highlight accessories through the decades.
Exhibition open Thursday–Monday
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
last entry at 4:30 p.m.
“How the exhibition came to be”
by exhibition curator Molly Liolios
While conducting an inventory of the collection at the Portsmouth Historical Society, I noticed that the number of accessories in storage was outstanding. There was a sampling of every category―hair accessories, hats, canes, gloves, shoes―you think of it and we probably have it in the collection. “Finishing Touches” highlights the pieces that often get overlooked on a person’s ensemble. The little personal touches that can offer insight into the wearer’s true self.
In this exhibition, the majority of objects date to the 19th century with a few examples from the 20th. A few favorites include a pair of shag mittens from the early 1800s, which have a pink tulip design on the hands, a tortoiseshell hair comb with a floral pattern of silver and mother-of–pearl inlay from the late 19th century, and a pair of sunglasses in their original case from the early 1900s.
Young Artist Contest Submission Form