Artist Cabot Lyford (1925-2016) spent a lifetime creating works of art, including four in Portsmouth. Here he is on the Phillips Exeter Academy campus with his ever-present pipe. Image courtesy of the Lyford family. 

“What we’ve heard again and again from visitors is how Cabot Lyford touched their lives–whether as a teacher, a colleague, or a friend. His influence ripples through this community in ways that go far beyond the sculptures themselves,” remarked Emma Stratton, Executive Director of the Portsmouth Historical Society, reflecting on the feedback provided since the exhibition opened in April.

Lyford’s art is familiar to many in the region, including his public sculptures “My Mother the Wind” on Four Tree Island and “Fisherman’s Luck” in Prescott Park. The exhibition also highlights his lifelong advocacy through art and his role as an educator at Phillips Exeter Academy, as well as his inspiration drawn from the Maine and New Hampshire seacoast.

To provide an in-depth perspective on Lyford’s work, guest curator Rachel Walls will offer the final free Curator Tours on Friday, October 3, at 12:00 and 5:30 p.m. These tours provide unique insights into the artist’s techniques, personal anecdotes, and the historical context that influenced his creations.

Since opening, the exhibition has drawn over 2,000 visitors, reinforcing Lyford’s enduring impact on the regional arts community. The exhibition also includes “Contemporary Currents,” in collaboration with the New Hampshire Art Association, which features local artists exploring themes of advocacy and experimentation inspired by Lyford’s work.

Don’t miss your chance to experience this remarkable collection of works.. The exhibition closes on November 2, 2025. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with admission beginning at $5.

For more information about the exhibition and related programs, please call 603-436-8433 or visit www.portsmouthhistory.org.

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.

Portsmouth Historical Society Board Member Elissa Von Letkemann admires a floral dome made of shells that will inspire one of the floral creations for the first inaugural Art in Bloom, June 12–16.

Celebrate the arrival of spring with the Art in Bloom Garden Party at the historic John Paul Jones House on Thursday, June 12. Beginning at 5:30 PM, this festive evening features stunning floral arrangements inspired by the art, architecture, and collections of the John Paul Jones House.

Guests will enjoy light refreshments in the garden, toast the Judges’ Award winners, and admire the creativity of local floral designers. Floral attire is encouraged—think bold prints or a flower in your hair!

“This event brings a beloved tradition from cities like Boston, Portland, and Ogunquit right to the heart of Portsmouth,” says Executive Director Emma Stratton. “It’s a joyful way to gather together and showcase our community’s artistic talent in a historic setting.”

Art in Bloom is presented in partnership with the Portsmouth Pocket Garden Tour and Grace & Diggs, whose fabulous wearable floral headpieces will make for fantastic photo-ops and be available for purchase during the Garden Party. We are also grateful to our in-kind sponsors: Maeve’s Mobile Cocktail Hour, providing drinks and light refreshments for the evening, and the Warner House.
The party kicks off the Art in Bloom exhibition, on view from June 13–16 during regular museum hours (10 AM–4 PM), with extended evening hours until 7 PM on Friday and Saturday.

We are grateful for the time and talent of our expert judges: Jamie Colen (Fuller Gardens), Beth Fischer (Strafford County Master Gardener), John Forti (Bedrock Gardens), and Betsy Brown Scott (former owner, Flower Kiosk). Four awards, including Best in Show, will be honored the evening of the Garden Party. Visitors can vote for People’s Choice through the 16th.

Tickets are $35 for members and $50 for non-members, with proceeds supporting the Society’s mission to preserve and promote Portsmouth’s rich history and culture. Join us for this unforgettable evening as art, flowers, and community come together to bloom into history.

For tickets and more information, visit: portsmouthhistory.org/event/art-in-bloom-party.

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.