Events are being added all the time! Please check back in for updates.
Exhibition Programs
Connect with Portsmouth and our local community through the collection or workshops, lectures, and community conversations we have planned this season.
There are no upcoming events at this time.
Exhibition Open Seven Days 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
In the late 1960s and 1970s, the landscape of Portsmouth moved in new directions. A new generation with fresh ideas and entrepreneurial energy cultivated a vision that diverged from earlier approaches to the community’s growth and embraced both historic preservation and modern development. Business owners, civil servants, and cultural leaders leveraged the accessibility of the Seacoast offered by I-95, the inheritance of historical architecture, and the availability of federal funds to create an environment that attracted restaurateurs, fine and performing arts, and turned Portsmouth into the destination it is today.
This story is one that still rings true today—how a group of concerned citizens joined together through public and private partnerships to create community. This is a story of civic engagement and a call to action for all.
Market Square Day, 1978.
Colorized reproduction from original photographic negative.
Image courtesy of Portsmouth Athenaeum.
Mary Jane Connor (1921-2010) Grace Casey, ca.1975. Oil on canvas. Private collection.
“Jubalay” poster
Produced for Theatre by the Sea
Ink on paper, 1977
Portsmouth Athenaeum, MS056, Box 3 F11
Omer T. Lassonde (1903–1980) A Time to Celebrate Oil on canvas, 1975 Collection of Robert S. Chase Awarded Josie Prescott Bicentennial Award, Prescott Park Arts Festival, 1975.
J. D. Lincoln (1933–2022). View Upriver from River House Gallery. Silver gelatin print, 1970s. Grace Casey Collection.
Portrait of Chef James “Buddy” Haller from the Blue Strawbery Cookbook.
J. D. Lincoln (1933–2022). Actors of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Carousel” along the Prescott Park riverfront. Grace Casey Collection
Thank you to our generous sponsors
✻
Anonymous
Ed & Fran Mallon
McNabb Properties
Thoresen Werner Families Fund
Events are being added all the time! Please check back in for updates.
Exhibition Programs
Connect with Portsmouth and our local community through the collection or workshops, lectures, and community conversations we have planned this season.
There are no upcoming events at this time.
Exhibition Open Seven Days 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
This companion exhibition to the recent publication “A History of Portsmouth NH in 101 Objects” encourages visitors to explore our shared past. From first being the home of the Abenaki, who have inhabited the area for thousands of years, through European settlement, Portsmouth’s generations of families have defined the area in myriad ways.
This exhibition includes dozens of objects featured in the book, as well as providing its own episodic glimpse into the shadows of our past. From maps to landscape paintings, commemorative items and objects of daily life, our exhibition demonstrates Portsmouth’s history in expressive ways that expand on the typical historical narrative.
We challenge visitors to think about the objects that will define “a sense of place” for Portsmouth over the next 400 years.
“Brotherhood of Piscataqua Bucks” certificate to commemorate Portsmouth’s 350th anniversary, ca. 1973. Gift of Robert Philbrook, 2021.
Portsmouth Burying Ground by Gertrude Fiske ca. 1925. Oil on canvas. Gift in memory of Harold B. Willis, Jr. 2022
Ruth Blay Quilt Fragment, c. 1735-1768.
“Rock Rest” rocking chair, possibly Grand Rapids, Michigan, ca. 1910; retailed by Margeson Brothers, Portsmouth. Gift of Bob Shouse, 2014. Photo, Ralph Morang.
David Atwater (1901-1981), North End, Grey Day, 1971. Oil on canvas board. Private collection.
Get Your Copy of “101 Objects”
As a memento of the 400th anniversary, this volume gives readers a sense of “who we are” and “where we are” as Portsmouth continues its journey from our past before 1623 to our future beyond 2023. Each object is depicted with a full-page photograph accompanied by an essay by a local author – 80 different writers who are the historians, experts, participants and observers of Portsmouth history best able to explain how each object’s story offers a path into our bigger 400+ year history.
Visit “A Sense of Place” to see some of the many objects included in this volume.
Armstrong-Ellis, Carey. I Love You More than Moldy Ham. New York, Abrams Books For Young Readers, 2015.
Carey Armstrong-Ellis
“I Love You More than Moldy Ham started out as a Mother’s Day story. My editor at Abrams suggested that I write something gross and icky that would appeal to boys as well as girls. ‘I can do that!’ I said.”
Cowen-Fletcher, Jane. Baby Be Kind. Somerville, Ma, Candlewick Press, 2013.
Jane Cowen-Fletcher
“A picture book, especially a board book, is for the newest humans. I wanted to provide an appealing guide for them that showed what kindness is and that it feels good to give.”
“Joseph’s memories of dancing with his grandma and the sights, sounds and smells of his home in East Africa reminds me of my travel to Dominica to connect with our family and culture.”
“My passions for creating images, fishing, the ocean, outdoors hunting and gathering, and making time to experience people, places, and things are so great, and feel so good when I share it all with others.”
“The moment I stumbled upon the story of Marie Tharp I was fascinated. I couldn’t believe that I didn’t know anything about her discovery of the Mid-Ocean Ridge and Rift Valley. I grabbed my notebook and pen and dove into months of research.”
“I‘ve been told I’m young at heart, which I suspect is a polite way of saying ‘immature’. I write things that I think are funny. Generally, there is a pretty wide overlap between my sense of humor and that of the average kid.”
“I love putting words and pictures together to tell stories for young readers that may be slightly edgy, funny, or about serious topics difficult to face. But all of them have a singular core message: hope that all will be well.”
Magoon, Scott. Linus the Little Yellow Pencil. Los Angeles ; New York, Disney Hyperion, 2019.
Mcphail, David. I Feel Safe. New York, Holiday House, 2022.
David McPhail
“I was inspired to write this story from my wife’s childhood experience with thunderstorms. She was deeply afraid until her father comforted her and convinced her to join him on the front porch. Sitting on her father’s lap, her fear lessened and became a fascination with the wonders of thunder and lightning”
“The most wonderful thing happened after the book had been published. I received photographs of children from a Maasai tribe reading the book. They looked and dressed just like Imani!”
Julia Marie Richardson, and Ryan O’rourke. Let’s Build a Little Train. Ann Arbor, Mi, Sleeping Bear Press, 2022.
Ryan O’Rourke
“Creating a book is a highly collaborative effort that involves multiple people sharing their expertise. This process is mirrored by the team in Let’s Build a Little Train that comes together to build the stream engine.”
“I acknowledge that I am mostly a Moe. I like a tidy workspace, quiet games, and orderly rows of toy cars. However, when I sit down to make art I channel the colorful energy and fun of Peanut.”
“Before creating the illustrations for Satchi and Little Star, I traveled to the island of Grand Turk where the story takes place,.It was wonderful to see firsthand the many horses, donkeys, and dogs that freely roam the island.”
Donna Marie Seim, and Susan Spellman. Satchi and Little Star. Portsmouth, Nh Peter Randall Pub, 2011.
Robert Squier, Lil’ Library, 2018. Digital.
Robert Squier
“I am an illustrator of dinosaurs and things that are not dinosaurs. I’ve illustrated several nonfiction chapter books (among other books) and I enjoy drawing whimsical creatures getting in—or out of—trouble.”
“I want readers to take away from this story is a sense of connection with the past―to appreciate that kids are kids, no matter the time period. There is always kindness, connection, and empathy.”
Trinka Hakes Noble, and Nicole Tadgell. A Fist for Joe Louis and Me. Ann Arbor, Mi, Sleeping Bear Press, 2019.
Salamon, Julie, and Jill Weber. Cat in the City. New York, Dial Books For Young Readers, An Imprint Of Penguin Group (Usa) Llc, 2014.
Jill Weber
“Cat in the City was a wonderful project that grew from an article in the Village Voice about a feisty stray cat who won everyone’s heart, and in doing so brought together an entire neighborhood.”
“During my childhood in Fairport, New York, I was always the kid hunched over my desk with a big mess of crayons. The apex of my artistic career came early, when at 9 years, I won both first and third prize in an Easter egg decorating contest judged by my classmates.”
Open until 8pm Friday, December 2, and Saturday, December 3.
Are you ready for sweater weather?
Gingerbread is back for 2022! Join us at Portsmouth Historical Society as we celebrate this sweet season with the 32nd Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibition from November 25 through December 22 at the Portsmouth Historical Society’s Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center.
To go along with our exhibition featuring greater Seacoast children’s picturebook illustrators, “Show + Tell,” we invited the gingerbreadologisits of Portsmouth and beyond to craft their favorite fictional places and characters. This year’s exhibition is filled with beloved charcters, magical castles, and storybook holiday favorites.
The winner is Elena Trunfio’s Magical Mushroom Cottage
Our adult category is always full of fantastic entries and this year was no exception!
Honorable mention in both the Adult Category and for Best in Show goes to Hagrid’s Hut by Izzi and Hannah
Multi-Generational Category
It’s all about the magic you can create when working together in the multi-generational category.
Frank Krupp and Ariana Incollingo’s Tangled Christmas towered above the competition and won the category.
An Old House in Paris by Aunt Kathy Brown and the La Croix Kddos with their twelve little girls in two straight lines receieves an honorable mention.
Teen Category
Our teen category entrants were hard at work leveling up their masterpieces!
The Ravenpuffs’ Hogwarts Express
Kuzco’s Palace and Pacha’s Hut by Natalie Little
Youth Category
We always love seeing what our 12-and-under category choose to build. This year’s entries pull from storybook classics like the Three Little Pigs, epic fantasy such as the Hobbit, and the magical world of witchcraft and wizardry.
Biblo’s HobbitHole by Rachel Little
Santa’s Surf Shack by Cole Dinulos
Business or Organization Category
The Merchantile Portsmouth‘s Gnomeland may be decorated in all white treats, but they take home the blue winners ribbon.
After announcing their summer 2023 show as Little Shop of Horror’sPrescott Park Arts Festival‘s entry takes home an honorable mention.
Best In Show
Our Judge’s Choice Best in Show winner is Lindsay Carroll’s Goldilocks and the Three Bears. With decorative details from the story on all sides of the gingerbread house still photos weren’t enough to capture all the tiny details.
Committee Choice Award
This award of merit goes to Kim Willoughby’s Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. On each side of this majestic gingerbread chocolate factory is another scene from the iconic movie. You are sure to be in a world of pure imagination when taking a closer look.
People’s Choice Awards
Most Attention to Detail
Sandi Strzepek’s The Hobbit is full of fun details. From the almond sliver pavers and the slices of gum stacked as letters in the the mailbox to the sugar pane illusion of a fireplace inside the hobbit home, Strzepek’s work holds many charming surprises.
Most Creative Use of Materials
Rachel Wall’s Those Who Live in Glass Houses Should Not Throw Stones is not made out of glass, but instead uses poured sugar to create. the illusion of glass walls. Pair that with the colorful base of melted peppermint candies and visitors see unexpected and ingenious uses of edible material.
Most Whimsical
Libby Giordano’s Gingerbread Village for Make-A-Wish New Hampshire is a colorful pile of not one, not two, but six different gingerbread houses. The structure of these houses comes from store bought kits, but the colorful decoration creates a sense of whimsy.
Best in Show
Elena Trunfio’s Magical Mushroom Cottage, which also took home Judges’ Award for best in the adult category, adds to its ribbons with People’s Choice Best in Show. Who does Trunfio’s woodland cottage hold? You’ll just have to use your imagination.
We will be raffling off some of the creations submitted by community members. Get a ticket for $1 and you could take home as a holiday centerpiece! Winners to be announced on December 20.
We are part of the city-wide seasonal event, Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth, along with many other institutions. Check it all out here! Plus, we’re hosting the kick-off party on December 2, 2022 from 5:30–7:30 pm when the winners of the community judges’ awards will be announced!
More than a hundred illustrations offer a springboard for children and adults to explore the creative process of imagining new worlds and the pleasures of shared reading.
Events are being added all the time! Please check back in for updates.
Story Time in the Gallery
Nearly every Tuesday morning from 10:00 am, for ages six months and up, join us for a free story time in the gallery reading nook. Upcoming story times:
There are no upcoming events at this time.
Exhibition Open Seven Days 10:00 am–5:00 pm
Portsmouth Historical Society has assembled a collection of extraordinary illustrations for children’s picture books by a “who’s who” of New England illustrators, from Maxfield Parrish and N.C. Wyeth, to Robert McCloskey (Make Way for Ducklings), Hans and Margret Rey (Curious George), and Dr. Seuss (aka Theodor Geisel); to contemporary artists Chris Van Dusen, Mo Willems, Tomie dePaola, and Ashley Bryan. In all, more than one hundred illustrations, including new reflections on diversity and inclusion, offer a springboard for children and adults to explore the imaginative world of picture books and reading together. Accompanying the exhibition are creative reading, craft and play areas, and an impressive “Journey Box” initiative that takes picture books, reading, and book-making to local schools, libraries, and underserved families.
Historically, Portsmouth sits at the heart of a region rich in children’s book illustration and publishing, which blossomed in Boston as early as the 1830s and now reaches to Portland, Maine, and beyond. By the turn of the 20th century, aided by modern printing methods, popular children’s books featured the bold compositions and vibrant colors of artists including Maxfield Parrish and N. C. Wyeth. Their work animated the pages of stories meant to capture a child’s imagination. Surpassing the moralistic tales of colonial New England, the picture books of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries are not only entertaining and educational, but have, as the exhibition title suggests, the power to ignite children’s imaginations, reaffirm the connections that come from reading aloud, and inspire art.
Resources for Diverse Books
Here are links to resources for parents and educators to find out more about diverse books:
A collection of children’s picture books featuring Black and Indigenous people and People of Color (BIPOC) published since 2002. The site includes a searchable database that makes it easy to locate and explore children’s picture books featuring BIPOC characters.
An annual summer children’s festival in Portland, Maine, celebrating the legacy of author-illustrator Ashley Bryan, with many online resources for educators and parents.
It’s that time again! Join us at Portsmouth Historical Society as we celebrate this sweet season with the 31st Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibition from November 26 through December 22 at the Portsmouth Historical Society’s Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center. Once again, everyone is getting a little sugar as we take the contestant creations to downtown shop windows!
This year’s theme is our favorite New Hampshire things to go along with our photography exhibition, “NH Now: A Photographic Diary of Life in the Granite State.” So many of you took up the challenge! From your favorite landmarks to your favorite meal, the creative ways in which New Hampshire is represented in cookies and candy is just amazing!
Judges Awards
There were so many amazing entries this year that we do not envy the judges’ job at deciding who was the best. We are so grateful to these folks for their hard work!
Built in 1913-14 by industrialist Thomas Plant and his wife Olive, Castle in the Clouds is an Arts and Crafts mansion in the Ossippee Mountains near Moultonborough, NH. Restored and cared for by the Castle Preservation Society, it is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is open to the public.
At the mouth of the Piscataqua River in Kittery Point, Maine, the Wood Island Life Saving Station has stood watch for 112 years. It housed brave “surfmen” that were part of the US Life Saving Service (a forerunner of the US Coast Guard) who would wait with small rowing boats to go out to help mariners in distress in terrible conditions year-round. The Wood Island Life Saving Station Association (WILSSA) formed in 2011 to oppose the station’s demolition and to raise all of the funds and find expertise to undertake a historically accurate restoration.
Multi-Generational Category
The winner is the Johnson Family’s Reindeer Spa Day
The multi-generational category, with adults, teens, and children working together, is always full of imagination!
Honorable mention goes to Lindsey & Brooklyn Barnhorst for their Christmas Cape
Teen Category
So many teen participants this year!
Arianna Incollingo & Frank Krupp came back to Portsmouth Historical Society *three times* after dropping off their creation, called The Holiday Connection in order to perfect the finishing touches!
Natalie, Rachel, Amirah Little’s fanciful Searles Castle gets an honorable mention for all the details!
Edward Francis Searles hired architect Henry Vaughan to design Searles Castle. It is built of cut granite, fieldstone, and dark red sandstone, most of which came from Searles’ own quarries in Pelham, New Hampshire. Completed in 1915, the castle consists of an entrance, a reception hall, a foyer, a dining room, a music room, a sun porch, a library, a grand stairway, a second-floor guest suite, a third-floor guest suite, a second-floor rotunda (or balcony), servants’ rooms, a kitchen, a butler’s pantry, butlers’ rooms, and a master bedroom suite which consists of a master bedroom, a sitting room, a bathroom, and a sunroom. Examples of the fine workmanship are found in the carved oak balcony and the marble fireplaces.
Youth Category
Ellie Ordman’s Story Land is our winner with three fantastic stories
The goal for our 12-and-under category is always to have fun, and these winners certainly had a good time at Story Land and on their summer vacation!
Abbey Menard’s Summer Vacation gets an honorable mention!
Honorable mention goes to Prescott Park’sYou’re a Good Man Charlie Brown!
Professional Category
Bobby Menard’s Tangled takes the professional category – and would certainly take the height category if we were giving out ribbons for that!
Jackie van Berlo’s 100% vegan Birds of a Feather for the honorable mention in the professional category
Judges’ Best in Show
Unsurprisingly, we have a TIE for Best in Show as well! AND! you can get a raffle ticket for just $1 and take one of these houses home for a holiday centerpiece!
Lindsay Carroll’s Castle in the Clouds
Jackie van Berlo’s Birds of a Feather
People’s Choice Awards
Your voice has been heard! Here are this year’s People’s Choice winners!
Most Attention to Detail
Lindsay Carroll’s Castle in the Clouds
Most Whimsical
The Johnson Family’s Reindeer Spa Day
Most Creative Building Materials
Jackie van Berlo’s Birds of a Feather
Best Downtown
Melissa Kutsch’s Enchanted Holiday Cottage
People’s Best in Show
Positively stealing the show with FOUR ribbons is Lindsay Carroll’s Castle in the Clouds, this year’s winner of BOTH Best in Show ribbons!
Raffle
There are four fabulous houses up for grabs in our raffle! Get a ticket for $1 and you could take one of these houses home for a holiday centerpiece!
Downtown Scavenger Hunt
Pick up a stamp sheet at the Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center, at one of our downtown retail partner locations, or download here!
Visit each of the locations and get a stamp!
Collect 15 of 18 stamps and submit your sheet for a chance to win a prize from one of our partners!
