Portsmouth Historical Society’s mission to preserve and tell the stories of the people of Portsmouth would not be possible without our many members, volunteers, and supporters who make our work a true community effort. Help us keep history alive! By participating in New Hampshire Gives and donating to Portsmouth Historical Society, your gift supports our programs, exhibitions, preservation efforts and growth.
Join us for a delicious way to support the Portsmouth Historical Society! From 4:00 to 9:00 PM, Ore Nell’s in Kittery will generously donate 20% of all dine-in sales to help fund our exhibitions, education programs, and preservation initiatives.
UNABLE TO ATTEND? You can still keep Portsmouth’s history alive. Consider a donation to support Portsmouth Historical Society’s mission to connect the community to our past, present and future through collections, interpretation, education, and preservation.
Enjoy an evening of vintage frights, make-your-own masquerade masks, artisanal pumpkin painting, tarot readings at the Portsmouth Historical Society’s Victorian Halloween Party.
Halloween in Portsmouth is full of spooky thrills and holiday fun. The Portsmouth Historical Society is adding their after-hours Victorian Halloween Party to the options for thrill seekers on Friday, October 25 from 7:30–10 p.m. Enjoy an evening of vintage frights, make-your-own masquerade masks, artisanal pumpkin painting, tarot readings by Kate, The Laundress, and more.
Attendees are invited to don their best Victorian garb, so be sure to dust off your trained skirts and top hats, but any Halloween costume, historic or otherwise, will do. This spooky soirée includes wine, hors d’oeuvres, and of course, plenty of Halloween candy.
The Victorian Era was full of eerie delights, with a widespread fascination with spiritualism, seances, and the macabre. This theme ties in with the current “The Matter of Memory” exhibition at the Portsmouth Historical Society, which features many 19th-century objects.
Portsmouth Historical Society’s Director of Community Engagement, Sarah Robbitts-Terry, drew inspiration from one of her favorite items in the collection, “A gorgeously intricate mourning hair wreath that was made with the actual hair of multiple women from the family.” In addition to enjoying the more haunting items of the collection, she hopes that, “guests have a lovely spooky evening and support the work of the Historical Society.”
Step back in time and get in touch with the ancestors for a fun-filled evening with the Portsmouth Historical Society. The event will be held at 10 Middle Street in Portsmouth. Tickets are $65 for members or $75 for non-members, and proceeds will support the Society’s work bringing Portsmouth history to life. Secure your spot today by visiting https://portsmouthhistory.org/event/halloween-party/.
Thank you to Historical Society volunteer Mike Dunbar for helping to draft this press release.