Family Day: House Birthday Party

Family Day: House Birthday Party

by | Feb 25, 2026

July Family Day John Paul Jones House Birthday Party on July 11. Free games, tours, and more from 10:30-12.

Help us celebrate the 268th birthday of this historic property!

Join us on the John Paul Jones House lawn all day for lawn games and crafts, fit for a revolutionary-era birthday bash as we celebrate the construction of this Portsmouth home.

All Day Activities:
  • Yard Games: croquet, graves (french hoops), cornhole, sack races, and more
  • I-Spy house tour
  • Coloring Activities
  • Cupcakes!
Free admission to the John Paul Jones House 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.
Exterior John Paul Jones House in Portsmouth. Yellow Georgian home.
Plan your visit

About the House

The building known today as the John Paul Jones House was built in 1758 for Gregory Purcell, a sea captain and merchant. When built, the house was considered to be at the edge of downtown and was amongst only a handful of stately three story homes in the city. The house changed hands several times during the nineteenth century. Owners included Woodbury Langdon, Henry and Alexander Ladd who rented the home to Senator John F. Parrott, and Samuel Lord.
It’s name comes from the potential resident, Captain John Paul Jones, who is believed to have stayed there during the American Revolution.