Spring Auction

Spring Auction

by | Apr 6, 2026

Spring Auction, May 7, 5:30 pm A night to support our education & outreach programs Hands-on history | Live & Silent Auction $35 Members | $50 Non-Members

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:

Lovely in Lavender

TWO Salt Box Lavender Farm 2026 Season Passes
Includes admission to workshops, live music, and more!

Portsmouth Escape

Portsmouth Escape
Weeknight stay at the Davenport Inn and $100 gift card to Cure Restaurant

Red Sox and Row 34

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!)

Gardeners Delight

Gardener’s Delight
Two tickets to Art in Bloom and the Pocket Garden Tours. Gift cards to Perch & Petal, Wild Valentine, and Nooney Farm

Pearl of Portsmouth

The Pearl of Portsmouth
A beautiful pair of 14-carat gold pearl earrings from Summerwind

Prescott Park Arts Festival

Prescott Park Arts Festival
Family Season Pass, tickets for four and other bonuses

Wood Island Life Saving Station

Wood Island Experience
Private day-trip with gift cards for the perfect picnic

Portsmouth Staycation

Portsmouth Staycation
Stay at Hotel Thaxter and a fully paid dinner at Moxy (with a $50 bar tab)

Portsmouth Harbor Light

Portsmouth Light Tour
Private tour for up to eight at this landmark that is not open to the public

Become a Member Today!
Learn About the Exhibition
“Winds of Change” Usher in a New Season

“Winds of Change” Usher in a New Season

by | Mar 20, 2025 | News

Two people bid on items at the Portsmouth Historical Society silent auction.

Event attendees bid in the silent auction on a variety of items including overnight stays in Portsmouth, lifestyle packages, and more.

The Portsmouth Historical Society will launch an exciting new exhibition “Cabot Lyford: Winds of Change” with a preview party celebrating the artist’s groundbreaking work on Thursday, March 27 from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Lyford is the visionary behind some of Portsmouth’s most iconic public art, like “My Mother, the Wind” on Four Tree Island. The exhibition will also dive deep into his innovative career and his commitment to advocacy.

This evening also features a silent auction with adventures and experiences donated by generous local merchants. Up for bid will be a Prescott Park Arts Festival Family Pass Membership, a magnum of fine wine, a private day trip and tour for 10 at Wood Island Life Saving Station, and a staycation at Sailmaker House paired with a Nichinan gift card.

Proceeds directly benefit the Historical Society’s vital programs such as the 3rd-grade history program bringing history into the classroom and inspiring the next generation; the community-driven Gingerbread Exhibition; as well as the preservation of the Historical Society’s historic properties.

The Historical Society Galleries and Museum Shop open for the season on Tuesday, April 1. The John Paul Jones House opens Memorial Day Weekend.

More information can be found at https://portsmouthhistory.org/event/lyford-preview/

ABOUT The PORTSMOUTH HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Portsmouth Historical Society’s museums and programs connect the community to our past, present, and future through collections, interpretation, education, and preservation. It operates two facilities: the Welcome Center and Galleries and the John Paul Jones House. The Portsmouth Historical Society serves as a cultural hub for Portsmouth, providing visitors and the community with rotating exhibitions, dynamic programming, historic walking tours, and a museum shop of unique Portsmouth gifts and books. Located at 10 Middle Street, they are open daily from 10am-5pm, from April through December. For further information, please call 603-436-8433 or visit PortsmouthHistory.org.

Cabot Lyford Winds of Change Preview Party on Thursday, march 27 @ 5:30 pm