by Portsmouth Historical Society | Aug 20, 2024
Join us below the cherry tree at the John Paul Jones House to celebrate the Portsmouth Peace Treaty!
This year is the 119th 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 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.
by Portsmouth Historical Society | Jul 23, 2024
Daily Walking Tours
American Sign Language Interpretation provided by JLL Interpreters
Saturday, August 3 at 10:30 am
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.
by Portsmouth Historical Society | Jul 16, 2024
A behind-the-scenes look at our current exhibition
“The Matter of Memory” explored the ways that museums are the vessels of communal and individual memory along with how they consciously or unconsciously shape memory through what types of items are displayed and shared. Walk through the gallery with our museum curator and get a deeper understanding into some of the choices made in museum collections and exhibitions in both the past and present.
Tours happen at 12:00 and 5:30 pm.
This is a free tour, no registration required.
by Portsmouth Historical Society | Jul 16, 2024
A behind-the-scenes look at our current exhibitions
“The Matter of Memory” explores the ways that museums are the vessels of communal and individual memory along with how they consciously or unconsciously shape memory through what types of items are displayed and shared. Walk through the gallery with our museum curator and get a deeper understanding into some of the choices made in museum collections and exhibitions in both the past and present.
“Finishing Touches” highlights items from the collection that would add personality and individuality to the wearer’s outfit as well as demonstrate gender and class. Functional and fashionable, these pieces highlight accessories through the decades. Spend 30 minutes with our exhibition curator and make sure to ask about her “favorite” pieces.
“The Matter of Memory” Tours occur at 12:00 and 5:30 pm at 10 Middle Street.
“Finishing Touches” Tours take place at 2:00 pm and start at the John Paul Jones House.
This is a free tour, no registration required.
by Portsmouth Historical Society | Jun 18, 2024 | Advocates
Make your home a part of history!
Enter the exciting world of house history research and celebrate your house’s past with a commemorative plaque. This program highlights the historical and architectural significance of Portsmouth’s buildings and cityscape. These plaques are an enduring, visual reminder of the individuals and families that have shaped our city’s rich history. Join us in celebrating and preserving Portsmouth’s heritage!
APPLICATION PROCESS
- Start. Fill out our “Get Started” form.
- Research. Use the resources linked below, attend one of our workshops, or get in touch with our historian.
- Select. Determine the year and resident you would like to feature on your plaque.
- Submit. Send in your three documents supporting your chosen resident.
- Approval. Our historian will review and confirm your research.
- Receive your plaque! Congratulations, your plaque supports historic advocacy.
Who can get a plaque?
Any Portsmouth resident who owns their property can get a historic plaque. Both residential and business addresses are eligible for this program.
How old is "Historic"?
Even new houses will be historic someday! This program is open to all buildings in Portsmouth, regardless of their age. Get your plaque today and share your building’s history with future generations.
What documentation do I need?
To apply for the program you need to provide THREE of the following types of documents:
- Deed History (click here to download a template)
- Historic Maps
- Written Narrative
- Citizen Records
- Historic Property Survey
How do I start researching?
You’re in luck! We have a resources section where you can begin searching for the historical records associated with your property.
Overwhelmed? Check out our events calendar to attend the next Portsmouth Plaques event. We collaborate with the Portsmouth Athenaeum and the Portsmouth Public Library to bring house history research resources and programs to the community. These programs happen every few months and help you get the research process started.
Is there a fee to get my plaque?
Yes. The cost for a plaque is
$250 for a Small Plaque 9″ X 11.25″
$275 for a Large Plaque 11.25″ X 16″
We require a $50 non-refundable deposit at the time of application.
How long does it take to make my plaque?
Once your plaque application has been approved by our historian and you’ve confirmed the text for your plaque, production takes about a month. We intend to provide progress updates along the way.
What are the plaques made of?
All the plaques are hand crafted from 5/4″ clear red cedar painted white with black hand-painted lettering.
Is there a way to have the research done for me?
Yes! Our historian can do the research for you after an initial consultation. There is an hourly charge. Please reach out to advocates@portsmouthhistory.org to learn more about this service.
Get started on your historic house research with our Help Sheet and the resources linked below.
About the Plaque Program
The Historic House Plaque Program, first initiated by Portsmouth Advocates in the 1980s, was revived multiple times over the years. For Portsmouth’s 400th anniversary in 2023, the program was revitalized by a volunteer committee in collaboration with PortsmouthNH400 and the Portsmouth Athenaeum. After the anniversary celebrations, the Portsmouth Historical Society, now merged with Portsmouth Advocates, stepped in to work alongside the volunteer committee.
