Alien Abduction and Local History Collide in “Betty & Barney” Exhibition

Alien Abduction and Local History Collide in “Betty & Barney” Exhibition

by | Apr 16, 2026 | News

Portsmouth Historical Society visitors examine the map charting the Hills' journey south through New Hampshire, marking off stops and sightings along the route.

Portsmouth Historical Society visitors examine the map charting the Hills’ journey south through New Hampshire, marking off stops and sightings along the route.

On the night of September 19, 1961, a Portsmouth couple driving home through New Hampshire’s White Mountains reported something extraordinary: a lit-up craft in the sky, missing time, and an alien abduction. More than six decades later, the story of Betty and Barney Hill continues to captivate believers and skeptics alike. Now on view at the Portsmouth Historical Society, “Betty & Barney” explores the fascinating and multifaceted lives of the Hills– inviting visitors to look beyond the headlines and into the real people at the center of the phenomenon. Before they became synonymous with UFO lore, Betty and Barney Hill were a pioneering interracial couple in Portsmouth during the late 1950s and early 1960s. The Hills were active members of the Unitarian South Church, the local chapter of the NAACP, and the Seacoast Council on Race and Religion (SCORR). Among the highlights are photographs and personal documents, including Barney Hill’s speeches, on loan from the Milne Special Collections and Archives, University of New Hampshire, offering visitors a rare and direct connection to the Hills’ lives and legacy. The exhibition traces the arc of Betty and Barney Hill’s story from their unforgettable encounter in the White Mountains to the pop culture phenomenon it inspired, brought to life through alien memorabilia, film clips, books, and more. In one of the exhibition’s most immersive moments, visitors can pick up a rotary phone and listen to excerpts from the Hills’ famous hypnosis tapes, hearing Betty and Barney describe their experience in their own words. The exhibition closes with a tribute to the Seacoast community members, including David Watters and Valerie Cunningham, whose dedication ensured the Hills’ papers found a permanent home at UNH. “We set out to connect a beloved local story to its national significance, and what we found along the way, about race, community, and Portsmouth in the 1960s, moved us deeply. This exhibition is one we are incredibly proud to share, ” said Portsmouth Historical Society Executive Director Emma Stratton. To further explore the exhibition, the Portsmouth Historical Society will offer free Curator Tours on May 1, July 3, and September 4 at 12:00 PM and 5:30 PM. These engaging tours provide deeper insight into the Hills’ lives, their legacy, and the cultural impact of their story. Additional lectures and public programs will be announced later in the year. “Betty & Barney” is on view now until November 2 at the Portsmouth Historical Society. Whether you’re drawn by the mystery of extraterrestrial counters or the powerful human story at its core, this exhibition offers a unique and thought-provoking experience.
Learn more about the exhibition

ABOUT PORTSMOUTH HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Portsmouth Historical Society’s museums and programs connect the community to our past, present, and future through collections, interpretation, education, and preservation. It operates two facilities: 10 Middle Street and the John Paul Jones House and Museum, a National Historic Landmark. The Portsmouth Historical Society serves as a cultural hub for Portsmouth, providing visitors and the community with rotating exhibitions, dynamic programming, historic walking tours, and a museum shop of unique Portsmouth gifts and local history books. Located at 10 Middle Street, the welcome center and galleries are open daily from 10am-5pm, from April through December. For further information, please call 603-436-8433 or visit PortsmouthHistory.org.

Revolutionary Portsmouth

by | Feb 17, 2026 | Exhibitions

Revolutionary Portsmouth Exhibition. At the John Paul Jones House. Portsmouth NH, May 22-October 30.

Revolutionary Portsmouth

opens May 22, 2026 

In the 1760s and 1770s, residents of the American colonies, including Portsmouth, were forced to make a serious choice between democracy or monarchy, between being a Patriot or a Loyalist. Despite the Patriot’s emphasis on asserting longstanding English liberties, what did the Revolution actually mean for local African Americans, Native Americans, or women? What was life on the homefront like? What did the town look like at this time, in terms of its architecture and material life?
Eulabee Dix (1878-1961) Miniature of Sara (Mrs. Woodbury) Langdon (after John Singleton Copley), 1936. Watercolor, mounted in brass candle shields. Gift of Mrs. William Gorham Rice (1703). Photo by Ralph Morang.

The exhibition will conclude with a brief look at how the Revolution was remembered and portrayed at time of the U.S. Centennial in 1876 and during the Bicentennial era of the 1970s. How have perspectives changed on our “heroes” such as John Paul Jones, who visited Portsmouth twice during the Revolution as he was becoming the founder of the U.S. Navy?

In particular, the show will highlight striking and dramatic parallels between the 1760s-70s and today, when the survival of our democracy and longstanding Constitutional rights are once again in the balance and at the forefront of public discussion.

Exhibition Themes

Liberty

Liberty in the 1770s was an important concept. New Hampshire was the first colony to have its own constitution, signed on January 5, 1776. It referenced “our natural and constitutional rights and privileges” that were being (in their minds) taken away. However, these “rights and privileges” did not apply to all. Over time, many Americans have worked hard to make “liberty and justice for all” a more meaningful and inclusive phrase, but the struggle is ongoing.

Loyalist or Patriot?

After the Patriot raid in 1774 at Fort William and Mary in New Castle, the Seacoast area was not directly involved as a battlefield in the Revolution, although it was threatened by English sea power. Nevertheless, Seacoast residents had to make their choice: remain loyal to King and Parliament or support Revolutionary efforts. Several Patriots and Loyalists will be profiled in the show.

The Look of Portsmouth in 1776

Locally owned objects from the period, some stylish and others not so much, illustrate the choices residents made depending on their socio-economic status. These will demonstrate Portsmouth’s role in worldwide trade and also suggest how wealthy merchants and politicians viewed themselves in the 1760s and 1770s.

Major Figures: From Wentworth to Washington

Key figures of the period, including materials associated with George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, members of the Langdon family, as well as George III and Loyalist Gov. John Wentworth and his family. John Paul Jones, generally acknowledged as the founder of the American Navy, visited Portsmouth twice in the Revolutionary era to oversee the building of warships. He may have rented rooms in the Georgian house built in 1758 now known as the John Paul Jones House that has been maintained as a museum by the Historical Society since 1920.

Remembering the Revolution

Some works in the exhibition will indicate how the Revolutionary period was remembered and commemorated in the 1870s at the time of the American Centennial and again in the 1970s during the Bicentennial era. These modern examples of popular culture often shape our collective memories as much as academic, scholarly works. The Historical Society has a large collection of popular culture items, mainly from the collection of the late Dr. James C. Bradford, referencing John Paul Jones and modern perceptions of this complex figure.

Upcoming Programs

From Loyalist to Liberty Walking Tour

Walking Tour outside of the John Paul Jones House

Semi-Monthly at 2:30 pm
First and third Fridays of the month
This 90-minute walking tour traces the path of Portsmouth during the 1770s. 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.

Book Your Walking Tour

This exhibition was made possible in thanks to our Adopt an Artifact donors:

  • Kimberly Alexander & Dane Morrison
  • Anonymous
  • Colleen Bean & Ceal Anderson
  • Holly Burt
  • Julie Gowen Fehrnstrom
  • Ken Goldman & Barbara Sadick
  • Nancy Hammond
  • Ann Hartman
  • Mary Ellen & Walter Hoerman
  • Carolina Obarrio Langdon
  • Charlie & Kathy Liolios in honor of Molly Liolos
  • Ed & Fran Mallon
  • Ellen & Walter Patton
  • Nancy Pearson
  • Michael Reilly
  • Brenda Shanley
  • Lucinda Spaney
  • Matt Stolpe
  • Ursula Wright
This exhibition features several programs and events presented in partnership with Strabwery Banke. For more Revolution 250 content visit:

Stewarding Portsmouth’s Historic Legacy Through Strategic Preservation

Stewarding Portsmouth’s Historic Legacy Through Strategic Preservation

by | Dec 16, 2025 | News

Painters working outside the Morton Benedict House

NH’s Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) Awards 31 grants, totaling more than $3.5 million to 26 Communities and Non-Profit Organizations Across the State.

Governor Ayotte joined the New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) on December 9 in announcing more than $3.5 million in matching grants to support 31 land conservation and historic preservation projects across the state, including a preservation planning grant to the Portsmouth Historical Society.

The Portsmouth Historical Society’s main gallery space and welcome center, located at 10 Middle Street, consists of two historic buildings (the Portsmouth Academy, 1809, and the Morton-Benedict House, c. 1811) that are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Ongoing issues such as HVAC failures and water infiltration have underscored the need for a long-term preservation strategy.

The $13,930 grant award from LCHIP will support a comprehensive building assessment, enabling the Historical Society to prioritize preservation work and ensure the building continues to safeguard Portsmouth’s history while remaining accessible to the public. Grants all over the state will help communities restore historic landmarks, conserve working forests, and protect the natural and cultural resources that define New Hampshire’s character.

“We are deeply grateful for LCHIP’s support as we carry forward our responsibility as stewards of these City-owned historic buildings, ensuring they are thoughtfully preserved and remain accessible to the public for generations to come,” said Emma Stratton, Portsmouth Historical Society’s Executive Director.

The Preservation Company, in cooperation with Placework and Consulting Engineering Services, will undertake the building assessment in 2026. Once the assessment is complete, funding needs and an implementation timeline for the recommended preservation projects will be evaluated.

LCHIP grant recipients must match each dollar contributed by LCHIP with at least one added dollar and complete the funded projects according to the program’s rigorous standards. The $3.5 million awarded in 2025 will be matched by more than $13 million from other public and private sources, infusing $17 million into the state’s economy through direct project activity.

About the New Hampshire’s Land and Community Heritage Investment Program 

The New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) is an independent state authority providing matching grants to New Hampshire’s municipalities and non-profits, helping to preserve the state’s most important natural, cultural, and historic resources and ensure their contribution to the economy, environment, and quality of life in New Hampshire. LCHIP grants are funded by a $25 fee assessed when deeds, mortgages, and plans are recorded at the state’s ten registries of deeds.    Since 2001, LCHIP has awarded 646 grants, totaling over $68 million. As of July 2025, the program’s investment has helped to conserve 247,000 acres of land and rehabilitate 192 historic structures across 206 NH communities. Learn more about how LCHIP is helping to preserve and protect New Hampshire’s heritage at LCHIP.org, by following LCHIP_NH on Instagram, or Facebook.

ABOUT PORTSMOUTH HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Portsmouth Historical Society’s museums and programs connect the community to our past, present, and future through collections, interpretation, education, and preservation. It operates two facilities: 10 Middle Street and the John Paul Jones House and Museum, a National Historic Landmark. The Portsmouth Historical Society serves as a cultural hub for Portsmouth, providing visitors and the community with rotating exhibitions, dynamic programming, historic walking tours, and a museum shop of unique Portsmouth gifts and local history books. Located at 10 Middle Street, the welcome center and galleries are open daily from 10am-5pm, from April through December. For further information, please call 603-436-8433 or visit PortsmouthHistory.org.
Gingerbread Experiments Come to Life!

Gingerbread Experiments Come to Life!

by | Dec 9, 2025 | News

Title panel for “Cabot Lyford: Winds of Change” featuring Lyford’s most famous Portsmouth sculpture, My Mother the Wind, with Executive Director Emma Stratton, Exhibitions Manager Meredith Affleck, Lyford family member Julia Lane, and Guest Curator Rachel Walls (left to right).

Ode to Celia Thaxter” depicting a fictional cottage dedicated to the local poetess by Sandi Strzepek took home the Judges’ Award for Best Adult Entry and Best in Show.

The holiday season has arrived, and with it comes the Portsmouth Historical Society’s 35th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibition.

On Friday, December 5, at the Gingerbread Reception and Community Judges’ Awards, the following edible creations have emerged victorious:

Multi-Generational- Encanto by Judy Monahan, Amy Monahan, Josie Monahan, and Sandi Strzepek
Teen- Merry Grinchmas by Little Clipper Preschool and Portsmouth High School Careers in Education Students
Youth- Winter in Paris by Cole Dinulos
Business or Organization- Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater by Salvage Modern: Vintage Furniture
Adult and Best in Show- Ode to Celia Thaxter by Sandi Strzepek

This year’s panel of community judges included representatives from Portsmouth’s Arts and Cultural Commission, the City of Portsmouth, ENE Systems of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Art Association, and Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, along with exhibition sponsors EnviroVantage and Devine Millimet. Thanks to them, the creativity and experimentation that took place in this year’s contest were well rewarded.

More gingerbread creators were celebrated with several awards determined by museum staff:
Best First-Time Entry went to Cabin in the Woods by Kimberly Huber and Nautilus Experiment by Tarci, Taylor, and Renee.
Most on Theme went to Picasso Face Study No. 1 by Mary Ellen Hoerman.

“This year’s theme, The Great Gingerbread Experiment, really came to life in extraordinary ways. Our visitors and staff are blown away by how boldly creators embraced experimentation: trying new materials, techniques, and designs they’ve never used before. We’re always thrilled to see longtime participants return, and have been equally delighted by the daring ideas from newcomers,” said Sarah Robbitts-Terry, Director of Community Engagement.

There is still time to make your voice heard in the People’s Choice Awards for Most Whimsical, Most Creative Material, Best Attention to Detail, and Best in Show. Voting concludes on December 17.

In addition to viewing the gingerbread houses, guests are encouraged to attend the many events that celebrate the festive season, including Gingerbread Tips & Tricks Tours on Friday, December 12 and 19 at 5:30 p.m.; Gingerbread House Workshops on December 13 & 20 at 10:30 a.m.; and the New Favorites Cookie Swap on Saturday, December 13 at 1 pm.

Additional thanks to event sponsors Lovebirds Donuts, Kennebunk Savings, Avery Insurance, Louis F. Clarizio, and Seacoast Lately, who helped make this sweet holiday exhibition possible. Carry on the festivities by trying the “Gingerfolk” donut at Lovebirds, which will donate a portion of the donut sales to the Historical Society throughout December.

The Gingerbread exhibition at Portsmouth Historical Society is an ideal outing for families, friends, and enthusiasts of all ages seeking to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. The Society features a well-curated gift shop perfect for holiday shopping. The Portsmouth Historical Society is open daily through December 30 from 10 am to 5 pm with free admission.

ABOUT The PORTSMOUTH HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Portsmouth Historical Society’s museums and programs connect the community to our past, present, and future through collections, interpretation, education, and preservation. It operates two facilities: the Welcome Center and Galleries and the John Paul Jones House. The Portsmouth Historical Society serves as a cultural hub for Portsmouth, providing visitors and the community with rotating exhibitions, dynamic programming, historic walking tours, and a museum shop of unique Portsmouth gifts and books. Located at 10 Middle Street, they are open daily from 10am-5pm, from April through December. For further information, please call 603-436-8433 or visit PortsmouthHistory.org.

35th Annual Gingerbread House Contest November 28-December 30
Learn more about Gingerbread!

Gingerbread Raffle

by | Nov 19, 2025 | Uncategorized

Stocking Raffle
Patriots Raffle

Every raffle ticket helps keep the Gingerbread exhibition free for all! Don’t miss your chance―the Gingerbread House Raffle closes on December 16, and the Stocking and Patriots Raffles close December 30.

Gingerbread house winners must pick up their house on Sunday, December 21st, or Monday, December 22nd, between 10am and 5pm.

Most stocking prizes can be sent by mail or email, except for the cozy hot cocoa basket.

Grab your tickets today!

Patriots vs. Dolphins Raffle

One ticket for $50, five tickets for $200.

Two club seat tickets to the Patriots vs. Dolphins game at Gillette Stadium on January 4, 2026!

Club level tickets for Gillette Stadium offer an elevated experience with padded, wider seats, private entrances, and access to climate-controlled indoor lounges that include exclusive food, drink, and bar options.

Please note that food, beverages, and parking are not complimentary and must be purchased by the winner. 

Section CL10, Row 19, Seats 12 & 13

Stocking Raffle

One ticket for $5, five tickets for $20.