Portsmouth Historical Society

"Winds of Change" Curator Tour
2025-04-04 12:00 - 13:00 (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

Opening Reception: "Contemporary Currents"
2025-04-04 17:00 - 20:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
“Contemporary Currents” Opening Reception
Friday, April 4, 5–8 pm
Join Portsmouth Historical Society and the New Hampshire Art Association for the opening reception of Contemporary Currents during Art Round Town on Friday, April 4, from 5–8 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:

"Wind of Change" Curator Tour
2025-04-04 17:30 - 18:30 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States

Family Day: Lindsay and Her Puppet Pals
2025-04-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Enjoy a performance from Lindsay and her Puppet Pals!

Register for our Family Day

Thank you to our event sponsor:

How to Research Your Historic Property
2025-04-13 14:00 | Portsmouth Public Library, 175 Parrot Ave, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, United States
Get started on your historic plaque journey

RSVP to the Portsmouth Plaques Program Library Event

Portsmouth Historic Plaque Program
Learn more about the program and sign up to start your plaque research.

Learn more about our program partner and see their full list of events:

Homeschool Program: African Burying Grounds
2025-04-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Learn more about New Hampshire’s Black History and take a nearby field trip.

Register for the Homeschool History Program on Friday, April 18!

Annual Meeting (Member Event)
2025-04-24 17:30 - 18:30 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
We welcome all members to attend the 2025 Annual Meeting
Invitations will be sent via email to members. Members are welcome to join us for a report of our 2024 seasons, a curator tour of “Cabot Lyford: Winds of Change,” and light refreshments as we celebrate all we have achieved in the past year.
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!

Young Artist Contest
2025-05-01 - 2025-05-31 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
We invite our young visitors to explore their creativity with our 2nd annual Young Artists Contest!

Come visit our two exhibitions, “Winds of Change,” which features the sculpture and paintings of artist Cabot Lyford, and “Contemporary Currents,” which features many local artists across different mediums, and find a piece that inspires you. Take that inspiration, create your own piece of writing or visual art, and submit it to our contest to be eligible for a prize, which includes a gift certificate from Blick Art Materials!

Enter the contest!

Preview the exhibition from home

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 13, 2025.

Content Note
While this exhibition does not contain anything graphic or obscene, please be aware that there are five pieces on display that depict female nudity.

What kind of art can I submit?
Writing: Short stories, poems, plays/dialogue, newspaper articles, essays, imagined interviews, and more are all potential options! Writing submissions have a max word count of 2,000. Visual Art: Any medium can be submitted, including (but not limited to) paint, colored pencils, charcoal, pastels, photography, collage, etc. Visual art will need to be photographed to be submitted. Please make sure your artwork is well lit and against a plain background. Have another idea? Reach out to sarah@portsmouthhistory.org with any questions!

How do I submit my art?
You can fill out our submission form online, or print out a paper form and drop it off or mail it to the Historical Society. Entries should be mailed to: Portsmouth Historical Society Sarah Robbitts-Terry 10 Middle Street Portsmouth, NH 03801 We can’t wait to see your work!

Is there a limit to number of submissions?
Each artist may submit up to three pieces of art, but each piece must be submitted with a separate form.

Enter the Young Artist's Contest!

Thank you to our prize sponsors:

Daily Walking Tours (May–October)
2025-05-01 - 2025-05-31 | 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.

Community Fundraiser Night at Ore Nell's
2025-05-01 16:00 - 21:00 | Ore Nell’s Kittery, 2 Badgers Island West, Kittery, ME, United States
Come enjoy great BBQ and make a difference in your community—one bite at a time!

Thursday, May 1, 2025
Join us for a delicious way to support the Portsmouth Historical Society! From 4:00 to 9:00 PM, Ore Nell’s in Kittery will generously donate 20% of all dine-in sales to help fund our exhibitions, education programs, and preservation initiatives.

UNABLE TO ATTEND? You can still keep Portsmouth’s history alive. Consider a donation to support Portsmouth Historical Society’s mission to connect the community to our past, present and future through collections, interpretation, education, and preservation.

Keep History Alive!

"Winds of Change" Curator Tour
2025-05-02 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-05-02 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-06-06 12:00 - 13:00 | 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

Loyalist to Liberty Walking Tour
2025-05-02 14:30 - 16:00, 2025-05-16 14:30 - 16:00, 2025-06-06 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.

"Contemporary Currents" Awards Ceremony
2025-05-02 17:00 - 20:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
“Contemporary Currents” Awards Ceremony
Friday, April 4, 5–8 pm
Join Portsmouth Historical Society and the New Hampshire Art Association for the Awards Ceremony for Contemporary Currents during Art Round Town on Friday, May 2, from 5–8 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

Children's Day: Young Artist Contest Crafts
2025-05-04 12:00 - 16:00 | NH
Get creative with this special Children’s Day craft
Join us this Children’s Day with free admission for all! While you’re visiting, come check out our crafting space and create an entry for our Young Artists Contest. Our contest is open for children ages 7-18 years old, and we have categories for both writing and visual arts. Entrants choose a piece from our exhibitions (“Winds of Change,” “Contemporary Currents,” or “Past and Present”), and then use that piece as inspiration to create their own work of art. Winners and honorable mentions will receive prizes from Blick Art Materials and Nahcotta, and have the opportunity to have their pieces displayed at the Historical Society.

Learn more about the Young Artist's Contest

View more Children's Day Activities

Sustainability in Historic Preservation Panel
2025-05-07 17:30 - 19:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Preservation practices and a sustainable future work hand in hand

RSVP to "Advocacy and Environment: Sustainability in Historic Preservation"

About the Presenters

Rodney Rowland
Rodney Rowland is the Director of Environmental Sustainability at Strawbery Banke Museum. He began his career at this important, National Register listed site in Portsmouth over 30 years ago. Over those years, he has worked to make the museum more financially sustainable while broadening the visitor experience. His focus is now on overcoming what is, arguably, the biggest challenge the museum has ever faced, adapting for increased impacts from flooding. Part of this is public outreach and assistance. Teaching others what we do and learn at Strawbery Banke Museum so that they can, in turn, help themselves and their community.

David Reidmiller
Dr. Dave Reidmiller is the Chief Impact Officer at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. Dave joined GMRI in 2020 to launch and lead a new Climate Center focused on delivering climate services to coastal and marine stakeholders. He was appointed as a climate advisor to the Biden-Harris Presidential Transition Team. Prior to joining GMRI, Dave served in a number of climate science policy positions in the federal government, including as Director of the Northeast & Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Centers at the U.S. Geological Survey, Director of the Fourth National Climate Assessment with the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy, and as Chief Climate Scientist at the State Department where he led U.S. negotiations on science and technology for the Paris Agreement.

Johanna Lyons
Johanna Lyons is the State Park Planner and Land Use Administrator for the NH Division of Parks and Recreation. Starting her state park career as a field manager at Hampton Beach State Park she has developed her career within the Division and has been the planner since 2003. A majority of the State Park facilities are greater than 50 years old and much of the park infrastructure is eligible for the National Register. In addition, the parks contain cultural resources, special habitats and natural features. Balancing public use and stewardship of the natural and cultural resources is a daily negotiation. Ms. Lyons is a resident of Portsmouth, growing up downtown during the revitalization of Market Square.

Joie Grandbois
Joie Grandbois is the Director of Sustainability for Historic New England. Joie is a skilled storyteller who excels in conveying complex environmental concepts with clarity and passion. Born and raised in New England, she has witnessed the impacts of climate change and observed the remarkable recovery of rivers and forests due to environmental legislation. Her firsthand experience of New England’s changing climate led Joie to leverage her deep-rooted connection to the region and her background in environmental economics consulting to become a powerful advocate for environmental stewardship.

Afterschool Arts
2025-05-08 15:30 - 17:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Take chances! Get creative! Make art!

Register for After School Arts

Protest Button Making with NH Outright
2025-05-13 18:00 - 19:30 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Take part in this Intergenerational Protest Button Making
On May 13th from 6:00-7:30 pm at Portsmouth Historical Society we will be having an intergenerational protest button-making event for the LGBTQ+ community and allies. We will take inspiration from the protest art of earlier eras. Come for music, community, and more! This is in collaboration with the Portsmouth Historical Society, AIDS Response Seacoast, and the Seacoast LGBT History Project.

Check NH Outright for updates

image from New York Public Library

Organized by:

In partnership with:

Women of Portsmouth Walking Tour
2025-05-14 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.

Join the Women's History Month 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.

Homeschool Program: Visit the John Paul Jones House
2025-05-16 10:00 - 14:00 | John Paul Jones House, 43 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, United States
Join us for a visit to the John Paul Jones House that shows historic preservation in action!

Register for the Homeschool History Program Friday, May 16th!

LGBTQ+ Walking Tour
2025-05-18 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 amEnds in time to attend the Portsmouth Pride ParadeLearn 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.

Along the Waterfront Walking Tour
2025-05-21 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.

John Paul Jones House Opens for 2025
2025-05-22 10:00 - 16:00 | John Paul Jones House, 43 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, United States
Thursday–Monday
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
last admission 4:30 pm
Open Memorial Day weekend through Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Also open on Veterans Day with free admission for all
November 11th, 11:00 am–3:00 pm

Preservation Workshop: Energy-Efficent Windows
2025-05-23 18:00 - 19:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
Sustainability and Preservation are a perfect pair!

RSVP to "Five Easy Ways To Energy Efficient Windows"

About the Presenter
Window Woman of New England was founded in 2003 by Alison Hardy. The inspiration for the business stemmed from years of frustration while residing in old houses with drafty, broken windows, coupled with dissatisfaction with available replacement options. Rooted in Yankee thrift, it seemed illogical to discard windows brimming with charm and character simply because they were weathered or painted shut. After enduring years of trial and error, extensive research, and growing disillusionment with her career in the textile industry, Alison began refurbishing not only her windows but also those of friends and eventually paying clients.

Cabot Lyford’s 100th Birthday Tour
2025-05-25 13:00 - 14:00 | Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 01801, United States
“Cabot Lyford’s 100th Birthday Family Exhibition Tour
Sunday, May 25, 1–2 pm
Come join the Lyford family to celebrate Cabot’s 100th birthday! The family will take guests on a tour through the exhibition, and then all are invited to join for light refreshments afterwards.

Learn more about the exhibition

Daily Walking Tours (May–October)
2025-06-01 - 2025-08-31 | 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 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.

Art Round Town with Priscilla French
2025-06-06 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, “Cabot Lyford: Winds of Change” and view highlights from our permanent collection in our “Past & Present” exhibition.

About the Artist:
Priscilla French began sketching as a young girl using pastels and paints and took a life-changing drawing class in college that opened her eyes to different ways of seeing. Since moving to Portsmouth, NH in 1985 she has studied watercolor consistently with esteemed teachers and artists Doris Rice, DeWitt Hardy and Russell Whitten – and will never stop! She has taught both studio art and art history at the high school level and was recently accepted as a juried member of the New Hampshire Art Association.

Don’t forget about our free curator tours!

March 2026"Betty & Barney" Preview Party Member EventMarch 26, 2026 5:30 pm April 2026"Betty & Barney" Curator TourApril 3, 2026 5:30 pm May 2026"Betty & Barney" Curator TourMay 1, 2026 12:00 pm "Betty & Barney" Curator TourMay 1, 2026 5:30 pm
