Thank YOU! We’re all glad to see the back of 2020, but we need to take a moment and say THANK YOU to all our supporters who made it possible for us to reach 2021. We are constantly amazed by the generosity and enthusiasm of our members, donors, sponsors, and public. We truly couldn’t do…

New Year, New Plans!
We are now closed to the public until April, but this doesn’t mean we’re not still hard at work! We’ve got big plans for the “off season.” Stay tuned for all the details! Jigsaw Puzzle Contest! Our store manager, Beth, has put this fabulous jigsaw puzzle on sale for $20! Featuring the beautiful silk quilt…

Closed for the Season
Portsmouth Historical Society and the Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center are now closed for the winter. See you in April, 2021! Our staff is still working, but mostly from home. If you need to get in touch, stop by, or get assistance with something, please get in touch by phone (603.436.8433) or email! Our staff list…

The Year of Zoom is Almost Over
Get your holiday shopping done! FREE shipping on books through December 31! Use code books at checkout. Store Manager Extraordinaire Beth is adding new titles every day. Check out the books available in our online shop now! * 25% off all merchandise in-store on December 23rd! The store will be open to the public from…

Advocates Awards 2020
Since 1989, Portsmouth Advocates have bestowed awards of excellence to owners, designers and contractors whose exceptional work enhances the city’s unique historic character. The winners demonstrate a commitment to historic preservation and make Portsmouth a better place to live and work. While we typically gather together for an evening of celebration and camaraderie, we have…

✡ Happy Hanukkah ✡
The festival of lights starts this evening, and we know many of you are busy wrapping gifts, cooking feasts, and lighting candles. All the best to you and your family! The Hanukkah card pictured above is available at our Museum Shop! Stop by online or in person today! In the News! Did you see us…
Covered in the Union Leader & Featured on NH Chronicle!
Jackie van Berlo and her recreation of Ceres Bakery featured in the Union Leader: “‘Mad scientist’ of a baker recreates Portsmouth’s Ceres Bakery one tiny croissant at a time.” Tune into WMUR tonight at 7:00 pm for a special segment on the Gingerbread House Contest, on TV or livestream! Portsmouth Gingerbread Houses Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center Open until 7:00…

30th Annual Gingerbread House Contest
Join us at Portsmouth Historical Society as we celebrate this sweet season with the 30th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibition from November 20 through December 22. This year, we are “taking it to the streets” with gingerbread creations on display both at the Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center and throughout downtown in shop and restaurant…

November 20 – December 23 Open Seven Days!
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…

Registration Closes MONDAY
Important Gingerbread Dates: Monday, November 9: Registration Deadline Friday, November 13 through Monday, November 16: House drop-off at Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center, 10am to 5pm Friday November 20: Gingerbread House Exhibition opens to the public (early this year!) Starting November 20, we will be open 7 days a week, 10am to 5pm through December 23!…