Portsmouth Historical Society

"Gay Old Times" LGBTQ+ Walking Tour
2026-05-17 14:30 - 16:00, 2026-06-21 14:30 - 16:00, 2026-07-19 14:30 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
“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.

Annual Meeting (Member Event)
2026-05-19 17:00 - 18:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
We welcome all members to attend the 2026 Annual Meeting
Invitations will be sent via email to members. Museum members are invited to join us for the presentation of our 2025 Annual Report, a preview of the season ahead, tours of our current exhibitions, and a vote on bylaw changes and Board officers.
This is a free event open to all Portsmouth Historical Society Members. No registration is required.

Not yet a member?
Enjoy free museum admission, discounts on museum events and walking tours, 10% off museum sore purchases, and more!

Become a Member!

Historic Portsmouth Extended Walking Tour
2026-05-20 14:30 - 16:30, 2026-05-27 14:30 - 16:30, 2026-06-17 14:30 - 16:30, 2026-06-24 14:30 - 16:30, 2026-07-15 14:30 - 16:30 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Historic Portsmouth Extended Walking Tour
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 all the highlights of the daily Historic Portsmouth tour and brings visitors to Prescott Park and the waterfront.

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.

John Paul Jones House Opening Day
2026-05-21 10:00 - 16:00 | John Paul Jones House, 43 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, United States
We are thrilled to once again open the John Paul Jones House to visitors!
Visit highlights include:

items from the museum’s collection
the room John Paul Jones is said to have rented while in Portsmouth, NH during the American Revolution
“Revolutionary Portsmouth” exhibition
“An Uncommon Commitment to Peace: Portsmouth Peace Treaty 1905” exhibition by the Portsmouth Peace Treaty Forum

2026 Operating Hours:

Thursday-Monday, 10 am – 4 pm
Tuesday & Wednesday by appointment only

Plan Your Visit

Revolutionary Portsmouth
In the 1760s and 1770s, residents of the American colonies, including Portsmouth, were forced to make a serious choice between democracy or monarchy, between being a Patriot or a Loyalist. Despite the Patriot’s emphasis on asserting longstanding English liberties, what did the Revolution actually mean for local African Americans, Native Americans, or women? What was life on the homefront like? What did the town look like at this time, in terms of its architecture and material life?

Learn more about the exhibition

Homeschool Days: Loyalist or Patriot
2026-05-22 10:00 - 11:30 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
For our final lesson, we will head to the John Paul Jones House and see the new exhibition “Revolutionary Portsmouth” to learn about the lives of everyday citizens.

Register for the Homeschool History Program!

Revolutionary Portsmouth Lecture Series "In Search of Private Yankee Doodle" at Strawbery Banke
2026-05-29 18:00 - 19:00 | Strawbery Banke, 14 Hancock Street, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, United States
“Revolutionary Portsmouth” Joint Lecture Series:

In Search of “Private Yankee Doodle”: Discovering the Material World of a Revolutionary War SoldierFriday, May 29, 2026, 6–7 PMStrawbery Banke Museum, 14 Hancock Street, Portsmouth
Dr. Philip Mead explores the lived experiences of enlisted soldiers in the American Revolution through the writings and material world of Joseph Plumb Martin. Enlisting at just 16, Martin served seven years in the Continental Army under George Washington, leaving behind one of the most detailed firsthand accounts of the war from the perspective of an ordinary soldier. Drawing on Martin’s memoir alongside surviving objects and documents, Mead examines the motivations, hardships, and lasting impact of military service, revealing how one man’s story reflects broader questions about sacrifice, identity, and democratic ideals in the early American republic.
Dr. Philip Mead holds a Ph.D. in early American history from Harvard University. From 2014 to 2023, he served as the founding Chief Historian and Curator of the Museum of the American Revolution. He recently served as guest lead curator of The Declaration’s Journey (2025–2027), marking the 250th anniversary of 1776. His work focuses on the material culture and lived experiences of the Revolutionary era.

Get your tickets to the lecture

Curator Tour "Revolutionary Portsmouth"
2026-06-05 12:00 - 13:00 | John Paul Jones House, 43 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, United States
Join our Curator for a Guided Tour of “Revolutionary Portsmouth”
Step into a house that witnessed the American Revolution and may have housed important Revolutionary Figures. Join our Curator, Gerry Ward, as he walks through this exhibition examining the choices of everyday citizens in Portsmouth during the 1760s and 1770s. Democracy or monarchy? Patriot or a Loyalist. What did the Revolution actually mean for local African Americans, Native Americans, or women? What was life on the homefront like? What did the town look like at this time, in terms of its architecture and material life?
Tours happen at 12:00 and 5:30 pm.This is a free tour, no registration required.

Learn more about the exhibition

Loyalist to Liberty Walking Tour
2026-06-05 14:30 - 16:00, 2026-06-19 14:30 - 16:00, 2026-07-03 14:30 - 16:00, 2026-07-17 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.

Art Round Town
2026-06-05 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. every First Friday for Art ‘Round Town!
Free admission all day long.
Visit our most recent exhibition, “Betty & Barney” and view highlights from our permanent collection in our “Past & Present” exhibition.

Learn More About "Betty & Barney"

Don’t forget about our free curator tours!

Curator Tour "Revolutionary Portsmouth"June 5, 2026 12:00 pm Curator Tour “Revolutionary Portsmouth”June 5, 2026 5:30 pm "Betty & Barney" Curator TourJuly 3, 2026 12:00 pm "Betty & Barney" Curator TourJuly 3, 2026 5:30 pm Curator Tour “Revolutionary Portsmouth”August 7, 2026 12:00 pm "Betty & Barney" Curator TourSeptember 4, 2026 12:00 pm

Curator Tour “Revolutionary Portsmouth”
2026-06-05 17:30 - 18:30 | John Paul Jones House, 43 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, United States

Young Artist Contest Reception
2026-06-09 17:00 - 18:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Celebrate our Young Artists Contest winners!

Join us on June 9 at 5:30 pm to applaud the winners of our third annual Young Artists Contest! Starting They took inspiration and created their own piece of writing or visual art based on our two exhibitions, “Betty and Barney,” which tells the fascinating life stories of a New Hampshire couple who believed they were abducted by aliens, and “Contemporary Currents,” which features many local artists across different mediums, and find a piece that inspires you.

Submissions are broken down into the following age divisions:
Ages 7 – 10
Ages 11 – 14
Ages 15 – 18
A winner and an honorable mention will be chosen for each age division in the categories of writing and visual art. Winners and honorable mentions will have the opportunity for their work to be displayed at the Portsmouth Historical Society.
The contest will be open from April 1st through May 31st. There will be a reception for all entrants and their families at the Historical Society at 5:30pm on June 9, 2026.

Thank you to our prize sponsors:

Women of Portsmouth Walking Tour
2026-06-10 14:30 - 16:00, 2026-07-08 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.

Family Evening: Stargazing
2026-06-13 21:00 - 22:00 | John Paul Jones House, 43 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, United States
Join us for a night looking up at the sky

RSVP to our Family Day

Thank you to our Family Day sponsor for making this free, family-friendly event possible:

US@250: Big Watch at Strawbery Banke
2026-06-14 12:00 - 14:30 | Strawbery Banke, 14 Hancock Street, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, United States

"Gay Old Times" LGBTQ+ Walking Tour
2026-06-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
“Gay” Old Times: Stories of Portsmouth’s LGBTQ+ Community
June Dates:
June 21 at 2:30 – 4:00 pm

Pride Weekend Tour:
June 20 at 10:00 – 11:30 am
*tour ends at the start of the 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.

Learn about other Pride Month events.

Book your 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.

Historic Portsmouth Walking Tours (May-Oct)
2026-07-01 - 2026-08-31 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Historic Portsmouth
Daily at 10:30 amSaturday and the 2nd and 4th Friday at 2:30 pmThis 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.

"Betty & Barney" Curator Tour
2026-07-03 12:00 - 12:30, 2026-07-03 17:30 - 18:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Take a Guided Tour Around “Betty & Barney”
Join Meredith Affleck, our Exhibitions Manager and X-Files fan, as she guides you through the “Betty & Barney” exhibition. This exhibition will cover the reported UFO abduction, leaving you to draw your own conclusions, and showcase Betty and Barney’s active role within the Portsmouth community. Learn how broad of an impact their experience had on pop culture and the way we think of aliens.
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

John Paul Jones House Free Admission Day
2026-07-04 10:00 - 17:00 | John Paul Jones House, 43 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, United States
ence Day

Family Day: House Birthday Party
2026-07-11 10:30 - 12:00 | John Paul Jones House, 43 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, United States
Help us celebrate the 268th birthday of this historic property!
Join us on the John Paul Jones House lawn all day for lawn games and crafts, fit for a revolutionary-era birthday bash as we celebrate the construction of this Portsmouth home.
All Day Activities:

Yard Games: croquet, graves (french hoops), cornhole, sack races, and more
I-Spy house tour
Coloring Activities
Cupcakes!

Free admission to the John Paul Jones House 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.

Plan your visit

About the House
The building known today as the John Paul Jones House was built in 1758 for Gregory Purcell, a sea captain and merchant. When built, the house was considered to be at the edge of downtown and was amongst only a handful of stately three story homes in the city. The house changed hands several times during the nineteenth century. Owners included Woodbury Langdon, Henry and Alexander Ladd who rented the home to Senator John F. Parrott, and Samuel Lord.
It’s name comes from the potential resident, Captain John Paul Jones, who is believed to have stayed there during the American Revolution.
