News
A Special Thank You to our Volunteers
It's National Volunteer Week, and boy, do we have some fabulous volunteers! We couldn't do it without you! Just this week, our flower beds are looking neat and refreshed for spring, thanks to Jule Rafuse and Norm LeBel, who put in multiple hours of work getting our...
Exhibitions Receiving Rave Reviews
After a long winter, visitors are loving the fabulous art on display! Between "Twilight of American Impressionism" and "Don Gorvett: Working Waterfronts," there's definitely something for everyone! Don Gorvett, Taking the Path Least Traveled, 1995. Reduction woodcut;...
We’re Open!
😲 Look! Real people, out and about! So glad to be getting back into the swing of things! History, Arts, and Culture Are Open for the Season! We are back for 2021! We've got some AMAZING exhibitions, a wonderful gift shop, and our friendly staff and volunteers can't...
Spring Is Here, and Portsmouth Historical Society is Open!
The witch hazel is blooming outside the Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center! Spring has definitely arrived! The Welcome Center is open10 am to 5 pmSeven days a week! Please note that we are still following health and safety protocols, asking all visitors to wear masks...
Hard-Working Art
Above: Don Gorvett, Bend in the River, Bow and Ceres, 2016. Reduction woodcut; 21 x 40 in. Collection of Nancy and Brian Pearson. "Don Gorvett: Working Waterfronts" April 2, 20201–September 12, 2021 at the Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center10 Middle Street,...
A Visual Feast!
"Twilight of American Impressionism: Alice Ruggles Sohier & Frederick A. Bosley" Opening to the public on April 2 is our long-awaited exhibition on two unsung artists of the Boston School of painting. Alice Ruggles Sohier and Frederick A. Bosley were talented...
Opening April 2, 2021
"Twilight of American Impressionism: Alice Ruggles Sohier and Frederick A. Bosley" "Twilight of American Impressionism" showcases the largely unsung talents of Alice Ruggles Sohier and Frederick A. Bosley, two American impressionists working at a time when realistic...
Spring Is Coming Soon
No, this isn't a current photo of the dogwood tree at JPJ, but it's cold here at the home office, so some sunshine was needed. Soon, the snow will melt and the flowers will bloom! Our Warmest Thanks to the Thaxter Foundation The Portsmouth Historical Society recently...
We 💗 Black History
Does Someone Need a Hug? Send an Obama Hug for Valentine's Day AND Black History Month! The Seacoast African American Cultural Center is teaming up with the Historical Society to offer these funny and heartwarming cards, featuring the friendly grin of our...
Celebrate Black History Month
Lives of Consequence by Patricia Q. Wall Based on careful research conducted over many years by Patricia Q. Wall, this book presents the first detailed look at the lives of more than four hundred black individuals who lived in Kittery and Berwick, Maine, from the...