Portsmouth Historical Society

Women of Portsmouth Walking Tour
2023-06-14 14:30 - 16:00, 2023-07-12 14:30 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Women of Portsmouth Walking Tour
Once a month at 2:30 pm
Second Wednesdays of the month
Learn the untold stories of navigators, preachers, artists, authors, tavern keepers, and madams who defied stereotypes and shaped Portsmouth on this 90 minutes tour.

Book your walking 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.Upgrade your ticket for just $5 to also visit our galleries and John Paul Jones House.

Does Truth Matter?
2023-06-15 18:00 - 19:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
This event is a facilitated discussion of these and related questions about one of the oldest topics in philosophy: truth. After a brief introduction to some basic concepts and distinctions, Dr. Tepley will lead the audience in a conversation about these questions. The goal is not to tell attendees what to believe but rather to give them the opportunity explore these questions, and possible answers to them, together as a group. If you like big ideas and stimulating conversation, then this event is for you. Come ready to think, to share, and to learn!
Admission is free, pre-registration recommended.

Register for Does Truth Matter

About the Presenter:
Dr. Joshua Tepley is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Philosophy Department at Saint Anselm College, where he has taught for the last decade. He received his B.A. in Philosophy from Bucknell University (2004) and his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame (2013). His research interests include free will, personal identity, ontology (the study of being), and the intersection between philosophy and science fiction.

This event is made possible by a grant from New Hampshire Humanities

President Washington Walking Tour
2023-06-16 14:30 - 16:00, 2023-07-07 14:30 - 16:00 | NH
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.

Portsmouth on Tap: Loaded Question
2023-06-22 16:00 - 19:00 | Loaded Question Brewing Company, 909 Islington St Suite #12, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, United States
Salty & Malty since 1623
When: Thursday, June 22, 4 – 7 pmWhere: Loaded Question Brewing Company, 909 Islington St Suite #12 Portsmouth, NHWhat: drink a limited-edition beer inspired by Seacoast Outright and participate in historical trivia and games

This beer is inspired by:

For 28 years, Seacoast Outright has been one of the only resources available to LGBTQ+ youth in the Seacoast area. Through educational programs, annual Pride celebrations, and youth support groups, their mission has always been to create a safe space for youth to explore the topics of gender and sexuality in a welcoming and understanding environment.

Knit Happens
2023-06-23 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 June's Knit Happens

LGBTQ+ Walking Tour
2023-06-24 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
Once a month at 2:30 pm
Second Sundays of the month
Learn about the hidden history of LGBT clubs, organizations, and people who impacted the Seacoast of NH on this 90-minute walking tour.

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.

For more Pride events check out the events calendar made by our friends at Seacoast Outright.

View Seacoast Outright's Pride Calendar

"A Sense of Place" Curator Tour
2023-06-28 12:00 - 13:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Go behind the scenes with the curator(s) of “A Sense of Place”
Spend an hour walking through our downstairs exhibition with the experts. Curators and museum staff will highlight behind-the-scenes exhibition creation, point out favorite items included, and add further information that just couldn’t fit within or on the walls of our museum.Our curator tours are free with museum admission.Single site admission is $10 general ticket/ $5 discount/ free for members.

Admission and Visit Info

Book Signing: Portsmouth Time Machine
2023-06-28 17:30 - 19:30 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Buy Your Copy of Portsmouth Time Machine

Register for Portsmouth Time Machine Signing

About the Author:
J. Dennis Robinson is a popular columnist, lecturer, and public historian.
He is the author of a dozen narrative history books on topics ranging from Jesse James, Lord Baltimore, and child labor exploitation to Wentworth by the Sea Hotel, Strawbery Banke Museum, Privateer Lynx, archaeology at the Isles of Shoals, and the infamous 1873 Smuttynose Island ax murders.

About the Illustrator:
Robert Squier has illustrated illustrated several nonfiction chapter books (among other books). He enjoys drawing almost anything, but he really loves drawing dinosaurs and mythological beasts. Squier was inspired by comic books, monster movies, and my grandfather, the artist Donald G. Squier. He lives in New Hampshire with his wife, son, and a puggle named Q.

Buy Portsmouth Time Machine

About the Book:
Portsmouth Time Machine features the adventure of two young students who, due to a cell phone glitch while studying online, are catapulted through time. Instead of reading about local history, Seth and Ella encounter key events and people from Portsmouth’s past.

President Washington Walking Tour
2023-06-30 14:30 - 16:00, 2023-07-21 14:30 - 16:00, 2023-08-04 14:30 - 16:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States

Daily Walking Tour (May-Oct)
2023-07-01 - 2023-07-31, 2023-08-01 - 2023-08-31 | 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
Saturday and the 2nd and 4th Friday at 2:30 pm
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.

Art 'Round Town
2023-07-07 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 July 7th for Art ‘Round Town!
Free admission all day long.Visit our two most recent exhibitions “A Sense of Place” and “Reinventing Portsmouth” both are a part of Portsmouth’s 400th anniversary celebrations.

John Paul Jones Birthday Bash
2023-07-09 11:00 - 16:00 | John Paul Jones House, 43 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, United States
Help us celebrate the 276th Birthday of John Paul Jones!
Join us on the John Paul Jones House lawn all day for lawn games and crafts, fit for a revolutionary-era birthday bash.
Live music by Great bay Sailor begins at noon. Remarks, a rousing round of Happy Birthday, and cake cutting will take place around 12:30 p.m.
All Day Activities:

Yard Games: croquet, graves (french hoops), cornhole, sack races, and more
Maritime crafts

Free admission to the John Paul Jones House 11 a.m.– 5p.m.

Happy Birthday, John Paul Jones!

LGBTQ+ Walking Tour
2023-07-09 14:30 - 16:00 | John Paul Jones House, 43 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, United States
“Gay” Old Times: Stories of Portsmouth’s LGBTQ+ Community
Once a month at 2:30 pm
Second Sundays of the month
Learn about the hidden history of LGBT clubs, organizations, and people who impacted the Seacoast of NH on this 90-minute walking tour.

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.

Adopt an Artifact (Members Event)
2023-07-14 17:30 - 19:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
RSVP to Adopt an Artifact

Read It and Eat! Blue Strawbery
2023-07-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Register for Read It and Eat! a community conversation and meal inspired by the Blue Strawbery cookbook.

Copies of the cookbook are not included with registration, but can be purchased from our shop. Please check your local library or bookshop for a copy! This cookbook is available at the Portsmouth, Kittery, Dover, and Hampton libraries. If you’re unable to access a copy, but would like to participate, please contact programs@portsmouthhistory.org.

“A Sense of Place” Curator Tour
2023-07-19 12:00 - 13:00, 2023-08-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States

Portsmouth on Tap: Great Rhythm
2023-07-27 17:00 - 19:00 | Great Rhythm Brewing Company, 105 Bartlett St, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, United States
Salty & Malty since 1623
When: Thursday, July 27, 5 – 7 pmWhere: Great Rhythm Brewing Company, 105 Bartlett St, Portsmouth, NHWhat: drink a limited-edition beer inspired by the high-seas adventures of John Paul Jones and participate in historical trivia and games

This beer is inspired by:

John Paul Jones
A Scottish-born naval commander who fought for the United states during the American Revolution. He is often credited as being the “Father of the American Navy.” His famous ship the USS Ranger was built in the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and it is believed that he boarded here in Portsmouth at what is now called the John Paul Jones House.

Knit Happens
2023-07-28 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 July's Knit Happens

Art ‘Round Town
2023-08-04 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 August 4th for Art ‘Round Town!
Free admission all day long.Visit our two most recent exhibitions “A Sense of Place” and “Reinventing Portsmouth” both are a part of Portsmouth’s 400th anniversary celebrations.

In anticipation of the Lantern Festival coming up at the end of September, the Alliance for Greater Good Board Members will be present and selling lanterns for their event. The Lantern Festival is a fundraiser for Seacoast Memorial Health Center.

"Reinventing Portsmouth" Curator Tour
2023-08-09 12:00 - 13:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Learn just how groovy the 70s were with the curator(s) of “Reinventing Portsmouth”
Join exhibition curators Richard Candee and Bob Thoresen for an hour-long tour of the current exhibition. Hear what the Portsmouth Arts and Culture scene was like in the 1970s and gain a deeper understanding of how the city we know today was physically shaped by this pivotal period.Our curator tours are free with museum admission.Single site admission is $10 general ticket/ $5 discount/ free for members.

Admission and Visit Info

Women of Portsmouth Walking Tour
2023-08-09 14:30 - 16:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Women of Portsmouth Walking Tour
Once a month at 2:30 pmSecond Wednesdays of the monthLearn the untold stories of navigators, preachers, artists, authors, tavern keepers, and madams who defied stereotypes and shaped Portsmouth on this 90 minutes tour.

Book your walking 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.Upgrade your ticket for just $5 to also visit our galleries and John Paul Jones House.

Twilight Tour
2023-08-11 16:00 - 20:00 | John Paul Jones House, 43 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, United States
Join the Portsmouth Historic Sites Association for its annual Twilight Tour on Friday, August 11, from 4-8 p.m.
This year’s Twilight Tour features special exhibitions and objects of PHSA sites that celebrate the City of Portsmouth’s 400th anniversary, including those highlighted in the legacy project, A History of Portsmouth NH in 101 Objects.
The following historical properties will be open during Twilight Tour:

Portsmouth Athenaeum
Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire
Historic New England’s Langdon House
Moffatt-Ladd House and Gardens
Portsmouth Historical Society’s John Paul Jones House
Strawbery Banke Museum’s Goodwin Mansion
Warner House
Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion

Tickets are $25 for adults ($20 in advance) and $10 for children ages 12 and under. All tours are self-guided and houses can be visited in any order. Each ticket is valid for one admission to each of the participating sites on the night of August 11. The ticket remains valid until the end of the 2023 season for any houses not visited on the night of Twilight Tour.
Ticket holders are responsible for their transportation and parking.

Buy Tickets for Twilight Tour

Ocean Exploring Family Day
2023-08-12 11:00 - 16:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Register for Ocean Exploring Family Day

LGBTQ+ Walking Tour
2023-08-13 14:30 - 16:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
