Adopt An Artifact

Two individuals looking at the detail on a pair of 19th century funerary gloves.

The “Adopt an Artifact” program was created to help raise funds to meet the critical needs of our historical collection. Portsmouth Historical Society has approximately 3,000 objects that it cares for, and many of our collection items need some repair in order to last 200, 300 years—and more, as we do our best to preserve them for future generations to learn from and enjoy.

That need for repair is exactly what led to establishing the “Adopt an Artifact” program. We invite you to be a part of preserving history by sponsoring the restoration and care of an artifact (or artifacts). All adoptions as a part of this program will go towards restoration and our mission of preserving the history of Portsmouth.

Golden Vault outline to the left set over a transparent image of the gallery space with wooden balustrade.

How does the program work?

Artifact adoption, or “sponsorship”, lasts one year from the date of adoption. Please note that the adoption of an artifact does not mean you are purchasing the item, but rather sponsoring the artifact in support of the museum’s overall mission. As our interpretation of the mansion and property evolves, some artifacts may be removed from display at the end of a season.

All adoptions are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Adoptions go not only to the maintenance of a specific artifact but to support the museum mission as a whole. Portsmouth Historical Society is not limited to immediately conserving an artifact if funds are not raised in full.