Welcome to the
Portsmouth Historical Society

Founded in 1917 to save the John Paul Jones House from demolition the Society now operates the John Paul Jones House and adjacent Discover Portsmouth Center to preserve and explore Portsmouth history. Offering members and the public a wide range of programming, we invite you to visit us in person or online to learn more about the fascinating past of Portsmouth and the Piscataqua region.  Learn More

Discover Portsmouth Center

Discover Portsmouth Center

This Portsmouth Historical Society pilot project has converted the former city library to a new “one stop” central gateway to the historical, cultural and artistic venues of greater Portsmouth and a new exhibition site displaying the art and history of the region.

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About John Paul Jones House

John Paul Jones House

John Paul Jones, colonial America’s first sea warrior, was a tenant of the Widow Purcell in this house in 1781 while he supervised the building of the Navy’s ship America nearby. His house is now the museum of Portsmouth men, women and children, where their stories live.

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Want to contact us?

Call the Portsmouth Historical Society
at Discover Portsmouth 436-8433
10 Middle Street. Corner of Middle St. and Islington St.

Want to tour the John Paul Jones house?
call 436-8420
43 Middle Street. Corner of Middle St. and State St.

Mailing Address:
PO Box 728
Portsmouth, NH 03802

Recent News

  • Gala Planned for October 29 to Celebrate Success of Discover Portsmouth Center and Launch Energy Retrofit Construction

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  • Portsmouth Marine Society Publishes Maritime Portsmouth:The Sawtelle Collection

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  • Portsmouth Historical Society Presents "Maritime Portsmouth: The Sawtelle Collection"

    The exhibition, Maritime Portsmouth: ... Full Story