Portsmouth Historical Society

"Winds of Change" Curator Tour
2025-10-03 17:30 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
A behind-the-scenes look at our current exhibition
Walk through “Winds of Change,” a retrospective of the work of Cabot Lyford (1925–2016), with Guest Curator Rachel Walls. Learn how Lyford’s experimental approach to different materials and his advocacy of environmental and political issues through his art can resonate with viewers as much now as it did in the 20th century.
Finish your tour with a visit to the complementary, contemporary exhibition upstairs featuring a juried selection of NHAA artists.
Tours happen at 12:00 and 5:30 pm.
This is a free tour, no registration required.
Learn more about the exhibition

"Contemporary Currents" Closing Reception
2025-10-03 17:30 - 19:30 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
“Contemporary Currents” Closing Reception
Friday, October 3, 5:30–7:30 pm
Join Portsmouth Historical Society and the New Hampshire Art Association for the Closing Reception and People’s Choice Award reveal for “Contemporary Currents” during Art Round Town on Friday, October 3, from 5:30–7:30 PM. This dynamic exhibition explores themes of advocacy and experimentation in art, offering a contemporary response to Seacoast artist Cabot Lyford’s works on view in the adjoining gallery.Enjoy an evening of art, conversation, and community. All works are available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting local artists, Portsmouth Historical Society, and the New Hampshire Art Association. Don’t miss this inspiring celebration of artistic innovation!
This event is free and open to the public.

Learn more about "Contemporary Currents"

Browse and Buy Artwork

See what’s happening at the NHAA:

Thank you to the exhibition sponsors

Cemetery Tours: Point of Graves
2025-10-04 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-10-09 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-10-18 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-10-23 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-11-01 16:00 - 17:30 | Point of Graves, 1-199 Mechanic St, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, United States
Take a walk through Portsmouth cemeteries to learn the meaningful, odd, and sometimes spooky traditions of Portsmouth’s past

Register for our Cemetery Walking Tour

Women of Portsmouth Walking Tour
2025-10-08 14:30 - 16:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Women of Portsmouth Walking Tour
Learn the untold stories of navigators, preachers, artists, authors, tavern keepers, and madams who defied stereotypes and shaped Portsmouth on this 90 minutes tour.

Tour Description:
For over 400 years women have been shaping the course of Portsmouth’s history. After the 90-minute walking tour, we hope you will walk away surprised by all the ways that women have impacted the fabric of this city. Your tour will cover almost two miles including Prescott Park and the Old Harbor.

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.

Art Advocacy Panel
2025-10-08 18:00 - 19:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
RSVP to Art and Advocacy

This program is generously sponsored as a part of our William and Arlene Brewster Lecture Series.

About the Panelists

Maria Oakley
My work explores elements of Culture, Womanhood, Armament, and Place. I seek a discourse with the contrasts I travel within. To have beauty there must be death.

Jim Wolcott
My current work has become quite complex in technique, texture, and color. I have expanded my techniques and materials through constant experimenta- tion and revision. Grids, both formal and informal, play an important role for me compositionally and emotionally. Making art is an anxiety-inducing activity. Grids calm me and my paintings. I believe they ground my artistic instincts and allow me to more fluidly explore my visual interests.

Michael Rodriguez Torrent
My hope is that this discussion encourages reflection and dialogue about whose stories are valued and remembered in our city, and why. While acknowledging the painful events that have shaped Portsmouth, I also aim to highlight the ongoing efforts to uncover and elevate BIPOC narratives. History—as we present it today—is not set in stone; it changes and grows as the result of choices we make collectively.

Emily Cady
Emily Cady, an illustrator and screen printer based in southern Maine, expresses her deep love for growing, cooking, and sharing food through her artwork. Rooted in themes of domesticity and nostalgia, her work often reflects the inti- mate moments tied to generational traditions and everyday acts of sustenance.

Family Day: Cemetery Tours
2025-10-11 10:30 - 11:30 | North Cemetery, 114 Maplewood Ave, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, United States
Costumes, candy, and a scavenger hunt in North Cemetery

Join us for some history and Halloween fun at North Cemetery! Come in costume (if you want!), participate in a scavenger hunt with candy prizes, and learn about the history of North Cemetery and some of the famous Portsmouth figures buried there.
This program is designed for families and will highlight what an important resource cemeteries are for learning about the past. Though we will not be discussing anything gruesome, haunted, or scary, we will be talking about things like colonial funerals and headstone symbols, which include images of skulls and bones. If you’re unsure whether this program would be a little too spooky, please reach out to our cemetery guide, Sarah Robbitts-Terry ( sarah@portsmouthhistory.org) with any questions.

Thank you to our event sponsor:

Cemetery Tours: North Cemetery
2025-10-11 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-10-16 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-10-25 16:00 - 17:30 | North Cemetery, 114 Maplewood Ave, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, United States

Autumn Photo Walk
2025-10-12 13:00 - 14:30 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Take a leisurely stroll through Portsmouth and get expert photo tips!

Register for the Autumn Photo Walk

Portsmouth, South End by Ken Goldman

About the Artist:

Ken Goldman is a self-described engineer, a photographer, a writer, a traveler, a tech geek. After working 40 years at a Navy Laboratory, he now has more time to pursue his interests, such as photography. You’ve likely seen his images in Portsmouth social media groups, as a part of the Portsmouth NH 400 celebrations, at various art exhibitions around the Seacoast area, or for various non-profits around town. His passion for photography stems from an interest in artistically sharing how he perceives the world around him.

Along the Waterfront Walking Tour
2025-10-15 14:30 - 16:30, 2025-10-22 14:30 - 16:30 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Along the Waterfront
Twice a Month at 2:30 pm
Third and fourth Wednesdays of the month
Stretch your legs on our longest walking tour! This two-hour tour includes Prescott Park, the working waterfront, the tugboats, a bit of beer history and more. Born and bred Portsmouth local, Ron Sher, adds personal anecdotes and depth to this extended tour.

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.

Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse Lecture
2025-10-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Portsmouth Public Library, 175 Parrot Ave, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, United States

Loyalist to Liberty Walking Tour
2025-10-17 14:30 - 16:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
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.

Book your walking tour!
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.

LGBTQ+ Walking Tour
2025-10-19 14:30 - 16:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
“Gay” Old Times: Stories of Portsmouth’s LGBTQ+ Community
Additional Pride Month walking tour begins at 10:00 am
Ends in time to attend the Portsmouth Pride Parade
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.

Rainbow Symposium
2025-10-22 17:30 - 19:30 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Join us for the annual Rainbow Symposium

RSVP to Rainbow Symposium

This program is generously sponsored as a part of our William and Arlene Brewster Lecture Series.

In partnership with:

Cemetery Tours: North Cemetery
2025-10-30 16:00 - 17:30 | North Cemetery, 114 Maplewood Ave, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, United States

Carrying Our Past, Beading Our Future
2025-11-01 11:00 - 12:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Learn about the cultural and historic significant of beadwork at this talk and demonstration.

RSVP to this Beading Demonstration

Artist Statement:
Through each bead, I stitch resistance and remembrance. My work honors the ancestors who walked before me, carrying their strength into the present. Beading is my voice-unyielding, radiant, and alive-proclaiming that Indigenous presence will never be erased.

About the Artist:

Kimberly-Ann, 33, is an enrolled member of the Missisquoi band of Abenaki of northern Vermont and is an experienced bead worker. Born and raised in southern New Hampshire, Kimberly-Ann has been involved in her culture all her life. She began beading at the age of 12 when she was taught by a family member and continues to learn and incorporate new techniques in her work today. She has made pieces for many friends, family members, and customers; she has also made pieces featured in Peacock’s series Rutherford Falls. When not beading she can be found singing at powwows and spending time with her friends, family, and dog SadieMae.

See more work and shop!

This program is generously sponsored as a part of our William and Arlene Brewster Lecture Series.

Final Cabot Lyford Curator Tour
2025-11-01 14:00 - 15:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
A Fond Farewell. The final Cabot Lyford Curator Tour
Saturday, November 1, 2–3 pm
Walk through “Winds of Change,” one final time and enjoy this retrospective of the work of Cabot Lyford (1925–2016), with Guest Curator Rachel Walls. Learn how Lyford’s experimental approach to different materials and his advocacy of environmental and political issues through his art can resonate with viewers as much now as it did in the 20th century.

Learn more about the exhibition

Homeschool Day: History in the Cemetery
2025-11-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
How did the people of Portsmouth’s past remember those who had passed? Take a walk in North Cemetery to find out more!

Register for the Homeschool History Program!

Art Round Town
2025-11-07 17:00 - 20:00 | NH
We’ll be open until 8 p.m. every First Friday for Art ‘Round Town!
Free admission all day long.
Visit our most recent exhibition, “Cabot Lyford: Winds of Change” and view highlights from our permanent collection in our “Past & Present” exhibition.

Learn More About the Exhibition

Don’t forget about our free curator tours!

"Betty & Barney" Preview Party Member EventMarch 26, 2026 5:30 pm "Betty & Barney" Curator TourApril 3, 2026 5:30 pm "Betty & Barney" Curator TourMay 1, 2026 12:00 pm "Betty & Barney" Curator TourMay 1, 2026 5:30 pm Curator Tour "Revolutionary Portsmouth"June 5, 2026 12:00 pm Curator Tour “Revolutionary Portsmouth”June 5, 2026 5:30 pm

Family Day: Gingerbread Workshop
2025-11-08 11:00 - 14:00 | Port City Makerspace, 68 Morning St, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, United States
Ready, set, bake!
Get into the holiday spirit with the Portsmouth Historical Society’s hands-on Gingerbread Workshop hosted at Port City Makerspace. This event is perfect for all ages and skill levels, inviting you to unleash your inner architect and confectioner. We’ll provide an abundance of colorful candies, delectable icing, and expert guidance to help you construct and decorate your very own edible masterpiece.
Kits are available with your registration, but those who want to bring their own unique house can as well. We’ll cover expert tips for assembling gingerbread and then decorate with a variety of creative and fun edible treats.
Want to enter the 35th Annual Gingerbread House Exhibition and Contest? Leave your creation with us and let thousands of people admire it during our annual holiday event.
Event cost:Portsmouth Historical Society or Makerspace Members with kit purchase $35Non-Members with kit purchase $40Bring Your Own Gingerbread Kit option $10 for members | $15 non-members

Register for the Workshop

Learn about the Gingerbread Contest

John Paul Jones- Free Visit Day
2025-11-11 10:00 - 15:00 | John Paul Jones House, 43 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, United States

Evening Gingerbread Workshop
2025-11-12 18:00 - 19:00 | Port City Makerspace, 68 Morning St, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, United States
Ready, set, bake!
Get into the holiday spirit with the Portsmouth Historical Society’s hands-on Gingerbread Workshop hosted at Port City Makerspace. This event is perfect for all ages and skill levels, inviting you to unleash your inner architect and confectioner. We’ll provide an abundance of colorful candies, delectable icing, and expert guidance to help you construct and decorate your very own edible masterpiece.
Kits are available with your registration, but those who want to bring their own unique kits can as well. We’ll cover expert tips for assembling gingerbread and then decorate with a variety of creative and fun edible treats.
Want to enter the 35th Annual Gingerbread House Exhibition and Contest? Leave your creation with us and let thousands of people admire it during our annual holiday event.
Event cost:Portsmouth Historical Society or Makerspace Members with kit purchase $35Non-Members with kit purchase $40Bring Your Own Gingerbread Kit option $10 for members | $15 non-members

Register for the Workshop

Learn about the Gingerbread Contest

Ten Piscataqua Writers 2026 Book Event
2025-11-20 17:30 - 19:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Enjoy an evening celebrating the works from 2026: 10 Piscataqua Writers.
Join us on Thursday, November 20 for the book launch of 10 Piscataqua Writers. Join the authors for a fun evening celebrating their accomplishment as they sign copies and discuss the work alongside light refreshments.
This free event is open to the public, no registration required.
Copies of the book will be available for purchase.

Contributing Authors:
James Gatto Clara Beller and Larry Andrews, fiction, novel excerpt, chapter opening
Peter Welch Boyhood, Belonging, Becoming, nonfiction, memoir excerpt
Abbie Kiefer Better Homes, Better Gardens, poetry, 11 poems
Jason Allard Some Kind of Hero and Shugyōsha, fiction, short stories
Matt Miller Midway Through This Journey, nonfiction, Short essays
John Perrault Whatever You Got Going On, 21 Poems
Bob Gielow The Culling, fiction, short story
Jane C. Elkin The Colors of Mourning, nonfiction, memoir
Paul Goodwin The Long Perspective, 30 Poems
Madeline Kearin Witch Hole Pond, fiction, short story

Buy Your Copy of 2026 Ten Piscataqua Writers

Museum Closed- Thanksgiving Day
2025-11-27 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Portsmouth Historical Society Closed 11/27
The historical society will be closed on Thursday, November 27 in observation of the Thanksgiving holiday. We will reopen the next day, Friday, November 28 at 10 a.m. with the opening of our 35th Annual Gingerbread Contest and Exhibition.
