Gingerbread creations are arriving

Preparations are underway to swathe the Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center at 10 Middle Street with as much holiday cheer as we can find!

Drop by, see all the gingerbreaddy goodness, vote for the People’s Choice awards, and pick up your stamp sheet for some downtown fun and a chance to win a $100 gift certificate to Cure or the Roundabout Diner!


Volunteer Spotlight: Hannah Gagnon

One of our newest volunteers for Portsmouth Historical Society is Hannah Gagnon. Hannah began volunteering at the Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center in May, 2020, after moving to Portsmouth last year with her fiancé. She received a B.S. in business administration and an MBA with a concentration in creative disruption and entrepreneurship from Suffolk University. Hannah is a program coordinator with Cognia, a non-profit standardized testing organization with headquarters in Dover, NH. Growing up, she always volunteered at her local dance studio. Now in her free time, Hannah enjoys spending time with her dog, Goldie, and taking art classes.

We are fortunate that Hannah responded to our call for volunteers this past spring. You will find her at the Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center most Saturday afternoons. When asked what she enjoys most about volunteering with us, Hannah replied that she enjoys learning about the city’s history from other volunteers and staff. “If you enjoy history, or simply enjoy spending time with great people, the Portsmouth Historical Society is a great place to volunteer!”

Volunteers play an integral role in the operation of PHS. The staff appreciates Hannah’s friendly personality, dedication, and assistance as a volunteer at the Welcome Center. She’s a valued member of the PHS team!!

Thank you, Hannah!


Your Insights Matter!

Portsmouth Historical Society needs your insights!

We are planning a major 2022 exhibition, “Imagine That! The Power of Picture Books”, about children’s books as a foundation of imagination and empathy. We’d like to hear from you about your experiences with reading and picture books. Please take our brief, 4-minute survey and complete it before midnight on Sunday, November 15, 2020. You could win a $50 gift certificate to

G. Willikers! Toy Shop

of Portsmouth. We can’t wait to hear from you!


“Open Late” Fridays for Holiday Shopping

On the Fridays below, the Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center, Museum Shop, and the Gingerbread House exhibition, will be open until 7pm!

November 20
November 27
December 4
December 18

We are also offering private appointments for after-hours shopping for you and your “quaranteam”! Just email Beth@PortsmouthHistory.org!

And don’t forget to visit our new online shop!


History. Arts. Culture.