Portsmouth Historical Society

Gingerbread Tips, Trick, and History Tour
2023-12-22 17:00 - 18:00, 2023-12-15 17:00 - 18:00, 2023-12-08 17:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Join us for a walkthrough of our gingerbread exhibition

Join us as we share the secrets behind making the best Gingerbread Houses and point out little details you may have missed. We will also dive into some of the history behind some of the iconic Portsmouth buildings now immortalized in Gingerbread.
This is a free, drop-in event.

thank you to our sweet sponsors

Avery Insurance
Devine Miliment
Seacoast Lately
Bangor Savings Bank

Extended Hours ❆
2023-12-22 10:00 - 19:00, 2023-12-15 10:00 - 19:00, 2023-12-08 10:00 - 19:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Open until 7 p.m. for extended gingerbread viewing!

Exhibition on display Nov. 24–Dec. 30, 2023, 10:00 am–5:00 pmFree for all!

To celebrate over 400 years of Portsmouth’s history, the gingerbread committee at Portsmouth Historical Society has chosen the theme of “Portsmouth Past, Present and Future.” We want to see gingerbread incarnations of the great people, places, and events of yesterday and today, or your favorite vision of futuristic Portsmouth! Let your imagination run wild!

Learn More about the Gingerbread Exhibtion

thank you to our sweet sponsors

Avery InsuranceSeacoast LatelyBangor Savings Bank

Canceled Portsmouth on Tap: The Portsmouth Brewery
2023-12-14 17:00 - 19:00 | The Portsmouth Brewery, 56 Market St, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, United States
This event has been canceled due to the extensive repairs the brewery has been conducting since June.
Visit their website for information about when they will reopen.

Salty & Malty since 1623
When: Thursday, November 13, 5 – 7 pm
Where: The Portsmouth Brewery, 56 Market St, Portsmouth, NH
What: drink a limited-edition beer inspired by the Portsmouth ride of Paul Revere and participate in historical trivia and games

This beer is inspired by:

the Portsmouth Fires
A trio of 19th-century fires swept through downtown Portsmouth radically changing the cityscape. The Brick Act of 1814 was the direct response to these disastrous fires, attempting to limit the popularity of highly flammable wooden structures. Many of the downtown buildings you know today were built while the brick acts were in place.

Ugly Sweater Cookie Swap
2023-12-09 13:00 - 15:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Put on your ugliest holiday sweater and bring a batch of your favorite cookies for this festive event!

Register for our Ugly Sweater Cookie Swap!

Lost Neighborhoods: Exhibiting Artists Chat
2023-12-08 17:00 - 19:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
“Lost Neighborhoods” Evening Artists Chat
December 8, 5:00–7:00 pm
Join the Abstract Four and learn what inspired them to create their show “Lost Neighborhoods.” Discuss how romantic nostalgia, old Portsmouth folk stories, city history, and generational housing issues are expressed through the art work in this exhibition. This event is a discussion that will inspire us all to think about what our Lost Neighborhoods mean to us. Come to share your stories and enjoy the artwork.

Learn more about the artists

This exhibition is a part of the Portsmouth NH 400 celebrations.

Extended Hours ❆
2023-12-02 10:00 - 21:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Open until 9 p.m. for extended gingerbread viewing!

Exhibition on display Nov. 24–Dec. 30, 2023, 10:00 am–5:00 pmFree for all!

To celebrate over 400 years of Portsmouth’s history, the gingerbread committee at Portsmouth Historical Society has chosen the theme of “Portsmouth Past, Present and Future.” We want to see gingerbread incarnations of the great people, places, and events of yesterday and today, or your favorite vision of futuristic Portsmouth! Let your imagination run wild!

Learn More about the Gingerbread Exhibtion

thank you to our sweet sponsors

Avery Insurance
Devine Millimet
Seacoast Lately
Bangor Savings Bank

Vintage Christmas Kickoff Party
2023-12-01 17:30 - 19:30 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Join us for the official start to Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth!

We’ll be announcing the community judges’ winners for the Gingerbread House Contest and gearing up for Saturday’s parade and tree lighting!
Free admission for all.

Vintage Chistmas in Portsmouth is brought to you in partnership with

Sip n' Shop
2023-11-29 17:30 - 19:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
RSVP to our members-only Sip n’ Shop event

RSVP to our annual Sip n' Shop!

Opening Reception "Lost Neighborhoods"
2023-11-26 15:00 - 17:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Celebrate the opening of “Lost Neighborhoods”
November 26, 3:00–5:00 pm
Join the Abstract 4 in our galleries for the opening reception of “Lost Neighborhoods!” Barbara Adams, Peter Cady, Tom Glover, and Dustan Knight will be here to celebrate the neighborhoods of Portsmouth that used to be through their talents with paints and brushes.

Learn more about the artists

This exhibition is a part of the Portsmouth NH 400 celebrations.

"Lost Neighborhoods" Exhibition Opens
2023-11-24 10:00 - 17:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
“Lost Neighborhoods”
November 24 – December 30
Barbara Stevens Adams, Peter Cady, Tom Glover, and Dustan Knight team up to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Portsmouth by remembering what used to be. Through their paints and brushes, these four talented artists depict the lost neighborhoods of our beloved city such as the North End, old Puddle Dock, the West End and others. Works will be on display and available for sale from November 24 through December 30 in the balcony gallery at Portsmouth Historical Society.

Gingerbread Exhibition Opens
2023-11-24 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
IT’S THE SWEETEST TIME OF THE YEAR!

Exhibition on display Nov. 24–Dec. 30, 2023, 10:00 am–5:00 pmOpen until 7:00 pm on Fridays in DecemberFree for all!

To celebrate over 400 years of Portsmouth’s history, the gingerbread committee at Portsmouth Historical Society has chosen the theme of “Portsmouth Past, Present and Future.” We want to see gingerbread incarnations of the great people, places, and events of yesterday and today, or your favorite vision of futuristic Portsmouth! Let your imagination run wild!

Learn More about the Gingerbread Exhibtion

Museum Closed-Thanksgiving
2023-11-23 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Portsmouth Historical Society Closed 11/23
The historical society will be closed on Thursday, November 23 in observation of the Thanksgiving holiday. We will reopen the next day, Friday, November 24 at 10 a.m with the opening of our 33rd Annual Gingerbread Contest and Exhibition.

Gingerbread Contest Registration Closes
2023-11-17 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Don’t miss your chance to enter in the sweetest contest in town!
To celebrate over 400 years of Portsmouth’s history, the gingerbread committee at Portsmouth Historical Society has chosen the theme of “Portsmouth Past, Present and Future.” We want to see gingerbread incarnations of the great people, places, and events of yesterday and today, or your favorite vision of futuristic Portsmouth! Let your imagination run wild!

Register now!

Portsmouth on Tap: Earth Eagle
2023-11-16 17:00 - 19:00 | Earth Eagle Brewing, 175 High St, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, United States
Salty & Malty since 1623
When: Thursday, November 16, 5 – 7 pmWhere: Earth Eagle Brewings, 175 High St, Portsmouth, NHWhat: drink a limited-edition beer inspired by the Portsmouth ride of Paul Revere and participate in historical trivia and games

This beer is inspired by:

Paul Revere
Most people know about Paul Revere’s most famous ride to Lexington and Concord in April of 1775, but did you know that he set forth from Boston four months earlier to Portsmouth? He came with a warning about rising tensions between British regulars and colonists, specifically that the military may try to seize provincial powder stores at Fort William and Mary.

JPJ Open on Veterans Day
2023-11-11 11:00 - 15:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
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.

Family Day: Gingerbread House Workshop
2023-11-11 11:00 - 14:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Ready, set, bake!

Join us for the Gingerbread House Workshop!

Brewster Series: Bark Basket Making Workshop
2023-11-04 10:00 - 14:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Learn traditional bark basket making techniques

Register for Community Bark Basket Making

Photos by Ted B. Sierad, Ed & Helen Pelletier

Learn about our workshop leader, Jennifer Lee
Artist Statement:
These bark baskets are made from the trees around my house. Following the season of “loose bark moon” or when the bark is slipping, the bark is peeled from a ladder so it won’t get ruined during felling. By selectively thinning the forest, which is a 45 year overgrown apple orchard, I’ve sustained my bark basket supply and improved the woods.
Historical accounts of the use of Ash, Oak, Pine, Spruce, Elm, Chestnut, Linden and Birch barks to cover wigwams encouraged me to try different barks for baskets. These baskets are made from trees that shaded the garden and needed to be taken down.
Buffalo or Bison is the material culture of the Nations of the Western Plains: the Lakota and the Osage. Bark is the material culture of the Northeast woodland tribes: the Abenaki, Ojibway, Narragansett and Pequot.
Joy describes the feeling of taking only bark roots and branches, and making something strong and usable in the tradition of my Native ancestors. People get so happy and proud when they fashion something so beautiful and durable from the woods. The trees make a way for me to share, celebrate, express, participate and contribute.

Art 'Round Town featuring Joshua Hrehovcik
2023-11-03 17:00 - 20:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
We’ll be open until 8 p.m. on November 3rd for Art ‘Round Town!
Free admission all day long.Introducing the new fall exhibition’s “It’s Pastel” PSNH 15th National Juried Exhibition and a selection from the Historical Society’s permanent collection entitled “Past and Present”

With special guest artist Joshua Hrehovcik!

About the artist:
Joshua Hrehovcik, photographer and writer, likes to take long rides and lots of photographs. He is currently in a contest to get more Instagram followers than his brother – and is losing. Badly.
Join him on November 3rd for:

Book signing
Games (putting green and wheel of fortune)
Silent Auction Fundraiser

Framed, matted, and autographed Portsmouth prints available at silent auction:

Daily Walking Tour (Season Extended)
2023-11-01 - 2023-11-11 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Daily Walking Tours
Walking Through 400 Years of History
Daily at 10:30 am
This daily 90-minute walking tour covers the streets, stories, buildings, and architecture of historic downtown Portsmouth.

Book your walking tour!

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.

"It's Pastel" 2023 Juried Exhibition Opens
2023-10-29 10:00 - 17:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
NH Pastel Society “It’s Pastel” 2023 Juried Exhibition
October 29 – November 17

Visit the "It's Pastel" page

“It’s Pastel!” Pastel Society of NH Reception
2023-10-28 17:30 - 19:30 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
NH Pastel Society “It’s Pastel” Reception
October 28 5:30–7:30 pm
Portsmouth Historical Society is once again welcoming the Pastel Society of New Hampshire for their annual juried exhibition! Join them for a reception on October 28 from 5:30 to 7:30, meet the artists, and hear the announcement of the award winning submissions. The exhibition will be open to the public daily from 10 am to 5 pm through Nov 18, 2023.
This event is free and open to the public.

Learn more about "It's Pastel"

"A Sense of Place" Exhibition Final Day
2023-10-28 10:00 - 17:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Visit before the exhibition closes on October 28!

Plan Your Visit

Knit Happens
2023-10-27 14:30 - 15:30 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Join us for a monthly yarn circle!

Register for October's Knit Happens

Red Phone Booth Ribbon Cutting
2023-10-25 17:30 - 19:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Welcome back the red phone booth with us!
Join us as we welcome back the red phone booth to the Historical Society Grounds. The newly renovated phone booth will now sit in front of the Historical Society building. After helping us celebrate the unveiling, step inside the museum to visit our exhibition “A Sense of Place” that highlights over 400 years of Portsmouth’s history.

President Washington Walking Tour
2023-10-20 14:30 - 16:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
The Portsmouth Path of President Washington
Semi-Monthly at 2:30 pm
First and third Fridays of the month
This 90-minute walking tour walks in the footsteps of George Washington, stopping at many of the places he stayed or visited during his Presidential tour of New England that took place six months after his inauguration.

Book your walking tour!

Tour Description:
President Washington visited Portsmouth for four days in the fall of 1789 as part of the President’s tour of the northern states six months after his inauguration. During your 90-minute walk, you will follow the route of the President down Congress Street to the site of the former British State House in Market Square where he addressed the citizens of Portsmouth. By the end of this walking tour you’ll get a sense of just how busy the presidential visit truly was!

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.

Making an Impact Conversation
2023-10-19 18:00 - 19:30 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
October 19 panel participants

Reagan RudigHistoric District CommissionAthenaeum Proprietor

Ben VanCampChief Collaborator & PresidentPortsmouth Chamber of Commerce

Ken HaleMember Services & Resource CoordinatorGather

Emily ChadwickChairPortsmouth Smart Growth

Register for the Making an Impact Conversation on 10/19
