Spring Opening Reception
Announcing our 2023 Exhibitions
A Sense of Place
This companion exhibition to the recent publication “A History of Portsmouth NH in 101 Objects” encourages visitors to explore our shared past. From 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.
We challenge visitors to think about the objects that will define “a sense of place” for Portsmouth over the next 400 years.
Reinventing Portsmouth
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.
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.
Upcoming Programming
Shop the gift store
2023 is the 400th anniversary of European settlement in Portsmouth. Uncover stories of the region through the many books for sale in our gift shop.
History. Arts. Culture.
A Sense of Place
April 1- October 28, 2023
An exhibition to accompany The History of Portsmouth in 101 Objects
Programs, Events, & Lectures
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.
“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.