Put down your screens, step back in time and join us for a morning of old-fashioned yard games! From bag races to Game of Graces, embrace the simplicity and timeless joy found in playing outside with family and friends.
Thank you to our sponsor Newburyport Bank for making this program FREE for everyone.
Visit highlights include:
2024 Operating Hours:
Built in 1758, the John Paul Jones Historic House Museum is a registered national historic landmark.
Although the season officially ended on October 9, the John Paul Jones House will be open on Saturday, November 11 in honor of Veterans Day.
Free admission for all.
This year is the 118th Anniversary of the signing of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty on September 5, 1905. The spirit of the Treaty, the statesmanship of the diplomats and President Roosevelt, and the citizen diplomacy of local people is a legacy that is perhaps more important than ever in these turbulent global times — and is echoed in the themes of the “Diplomats in Portsmouth” exhibit displayed for the Portsmouth NH 400th at the John Paul Jones House.
By re-enacting the bellringing that occurred when the Treaty was signed on September 5, 1905, we echo the celebration all around the Seacoast that welcomed the news that the Russo-Japanese War was over and we commemorate the active role local citizens played in helping to achieve that peace. So the sounding of bells around the state at 3:47 pm on September 5th is the historical, and in many ways most meaningful celebration of Portsmouth Peace Treaty Day, an official statewide observance since unanimous legislation was passed in 2010.
This year’s Twilight Tour features special exhibitions and objects of PHSA sites that celebrate the City of Portsmouth’s 400th anniversary, including those highlighted in the legacy project, A History of Portsmouth NH in 101 Objects.
The following historical properties will be open during Twilight Tour:
Tickets are $25 for adults ($20 in advance) and $10 for children ages 12 and under. All tours are self-guided and houses can be visited in any order. Each ticket is valid for one admission to each of the participating sites on the night of August 11. The ticket remains valid until the end of the 2023 season for any houses not visited on the night of Twilight Tour.
Ticket holders are responsible for their transportation and parking.