We are currently open Friday–Monday, 10am–4pm.
Stop by and visit our safe, comfortable, and spacious gallery and museum shop, and enjoy the “Threads” exhibition and the Community Quilts!


Color & Comfort: Quilts in Context

If you can’t make it in to see the quilts in person, join us for a talk by our own curator of collections, Gerald W. R. Ward, about quilts, their place in our lives, and their meaning.

Quilts and coverlets, in addition to being examples of outstanding needlework and beautiful works of art, have symbolic value and functional purposes.  They hold many meanings for people and have played a central functional role in the domestic interior for centuries. In his talk, Ward will examine some of the symbolic meanings of quilts, and also look at them in the context of the bed chamber, examining them as one element in a constellation of related objects and examining changing patterns and rhythms of life over–and under–the covers.

Thursday, September 24 at 7pm via Zoom
FREE for Member/Donors
$15 for Non-Members


Congratulations to the Winner of our John Paul Jones Jubilee Wine Raffle!

The winner of our fantastic wine raffle was…..(drum roll please)…….none other than the amazingly lucky and totally awesome Sharon Parker!

Thank you to everyone who purchased a wine raffle ticket and entered our contest! The raffle raised more than $1,500 in support of our programs and exhibitions. Thanks as well to the members of the Portsmouth Historical Society Board of Trustees who provided the wine for the raffle.
Santé!


John Paul Jones Jubilee Auction Showcases Gorgeous and Unique Seacoast Art

Our John Paul Jones Jubilee Benefit Auction, running until 6pm on October 7, 2020, features wonderful works of two- and three-dimensional art, including oil and watercolor paintings, weaving, jewelry, photography, drawing and sculpture, by artists all over the greater Seacoast. The proceeds from each winning bid will benefit equally both Portsmouth Historical Society and the artist—and YOU! This art could be in your home! Or perhaps consider a gift for a wedding, birthday or anniversary. Not here on the Seacoast? No problem! Art can be shipped. 
Bid now! Bid high! And Bid often!


Walking Tours End October 31, So Don’t Delay and Register While You Can!

Our Walking Tours end October 31! Book now to be sure you get a spot. Tours are smaller this year, and all guidelines for the health and safety of our visitors are followed. This is a fantastic way to get out of the house and learn something about Portsmouth!

Private tours can also be scheduled, just call or email Robin Lurie-Meyerkopf, our walking tour manager! For more info on what tours are available and to book tickets, click below!


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