by Portsmouth Historical Society | Apr 28, 2026
“Gay” Old Times: Stories of Portsmouth’s LGBTQ+ Community
Learn about the hidden history of LGBT clubs, organizations, and people who impacted the Seacoast of NH on this 90-minute walking tour.
Tour Description:
Tour guide Tom Kaufhold will take you through Portsmouth for this engaging 90-minute tour. You will pass by many beautiful historic sites and learn some important facts about Portsmouth LGBTQ+ people, places and events, including:
- How UNH and the NH Supreme Court impacted Portsmouth’s LGBTQ+ community
- Where the first gay and women’s bars were in Portsmouth
- The restaurant credited with starting Portsmouth’s restaurant renaissance
- The church that supported two LGBTQ+ organizations for decades.
Walking Tour Rates:
Tours are $15 for members, $20 for non-members, $15 for discounted groups (Children 5-18, Seniors 62+, Students, Portsmouth Residents), and free for children 5 and under. All tours depart from Portsmouth Historical Society, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth NH. Online reservations close 30 minutes prior to tour departure. Please call (603) 436-8433 for last minute bookings. Upgrade your ticket for just $5 to also visit our galleries and John Paul Jones House.
by Portsmouth Historical Society | Apr 14, 2026
From Loyalist to Liberty
Semi-Monthly at 2:30 pm
First and third Fridays of the month
This 90-minute walking tour traces the path of Portsmouth during the 1770s. From a hub of British loyalty, a series of events in the 1770s fanned the flames of independence and turned Portsmouth into a hotbed of Patriotism.
Tour Description:
Learn about British settlement of the Seacoast and the economic prosperity that made Portsmouth the capital city of the royal colony and then see how the events of the 1770s changed public opinion to that of revolution. During your 90-minute walk, you will visit sites that are related to the American Revolution including: North Church and State House Plaque, Queen’s Chapel, Liberty Pole, Pitt Tavern, and more.
Walking Tour Rates:
Tours are $15 for members, $20 for non-members, $15 for discounted groups (Children 5-18, Seniors 62+, Students, Portsmouth Residents), and free for children 5 and under.
All tours depart from Portsmouth Historical Society, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth NH.
Online reservations close 30 minutes prior to tour departure. Please call (603) 436-8433 for last minute bookings.
Upgrade your ticket for just $5 to also visit our galleries and John Paul Jones House.
by Portsmouth Historical Society | Apr 9, 2026
From Loyalist to Liberty
Semi-Monthly at 2:30 pm
First and third Fridays of the month
This 90-minute walking tour traces the path of Portsmouth during the 1770s. From a hub of British loyalty, a series of events in the 1770s fanned the flames of independence and turned Portsmouth into a hotbed of Patriotism.
Tour Description:
Learn about British settlement of the Seacoast and the economic prosperity that made Portsmouth the capital city of the royal colony and then see how the events of the 1770s changed public opinion to that of revolution. During your 90-minute walk, you will visit sites that are related to the American Revolution including: North Church and State House Plaque, Queen’s Chapel, Liberty Pole, Pitt Tavern, and more.
Walking Tour Rates:
Tours are $15 for members, $20 for non-members, $15 for discounted groups (Children 5-18, Seniors 62+, Students, Portsmouth Residents), and free for children 5 and under.
All tours depart from Portsmouth Historical Society, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth NH.
Online reservations close 30 minutes prior to tour departure. Please call (603) 436-8433 for last minute bookings.
Upgrade your ticket for just $5 to also visit our galleries and John Paul Jones House.
by Portsmouth Historical Society | Apr 6, 2026
You’re Invited!
This signature event offers you the opportunity to engage with hands-on history while directly supporting the students and families who benefit from our work. From our third-grade history program, where we visit every Portsmouth public school classroom each month at no cost, to homeschool days, lectures, free Family Days, and other public programs serving learners of all ages, your participation ensures these meaningful experiences remain accessible and impactful.
Select Auction Items Preview:
TWO Salt Box Lavender Farm 2026 Season Passes
Includes admission to workshops, live music, and more!
Portsmouth Escape
Weeknight stay at the Davenport Inn and $100 gift card to Cure Restaurant
Let’s Play Ball!
Two premium tickets to the Red Sox on June 16 and a gift card for Row 34 (has a Kenmore Square location!)
Gardener’s Delight
Two tickets to Art in Bloom and the Pocket Garden Tours. Gift cards to Perch & Petal, Wild Valentine, and Nooney Farm
The Pearl of Portsmouth
A beautiful pair of 14-carat gold pearl earrings from Summerwind
Prescott Park Arts Festival
Family Season Pass, tickets for four and other bonuses
Wood Island Experience
Private day-trip with gift cards for the perfect picnic
Portsmouth Staycation
Stay at Hotel Thaxter and a fully paid dinner at Moxy (with a $50 bar tab)
Portsmouth Light Tour
Private tour for up to eight at this landmark that is not open to the public
by Portsmouth Historical Society | Oct 8, 2025
Daily Walking Tours
Walking Through 400 Years of History
Daily at 10:30 am
Saturday and the 2nd and 4th Friday at 2:30 pm
This daily 90-minute walking tour covers the streets, stories, buildings, and architecture of historic downtown Portsmouth.
Tour Description:
Learn why Portsmouth is the hub of the New Hampshire Seacoast! Our downtown is filled with hidden treasures. Our knowledgeable walking tour guides will introduce you to the city’s rich past and lively present—a unique mix of architecture, specialty shops, and bustling streets nestled in a village-like setting. This 90-minute guided walking tour is sure to bring the history of Portsmouth alive!
Walking Tour Rates:
Tours are $15 for members, $20 for non-members, $15 for discounted groups (Children 5-18, Seniors 62+, Students, Portsmouth Residents), and free for children 5 and under.
All tours depart from Portsmouth Historical Society, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth NH.
Online reservations close 30 minutes prior to tour departure. Please call (603) 436-8433 for last minute bookings.
Upgrade your ticket for just $5 to also visit our galleries and John Paul Jones House.
