by Portsmouth Historical Society | May 26, 2026
Celebrate years of Seacoast Pride!
Kick off Portsmouth Pride at the John Paul Jones House! Browse artifacts from our city’s LGBTQ+ history, then join us on the lawn to make mini-flags and buttons to take with you to the parade. A relaxed, family-friendly space for all ages before the festivities begin. The Portsmouth Pride Parade is hosted by our friends at NH Outright.
This is a free, drop-in event.
Don’t forget to check out our LGBTQ+ History Walking Tours!
Learn about the hidden history of LGBT clubs, organizations, and people who impacted the Seacoast of NH on this 90-minute walking tour. Tours are $20 for non-members and $15 for members and discounted groups.
Note: the June 20 tour will end at the start of the Portsmouth Pride Parade.
by Portsmouth Historical Society | Apr 7, 2026
by Portsmouth Historical Society | Feb 25, 2026
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.
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.
