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.

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.

Want to contact us?

For information about touring the House,
please contact the House Manager at
603-436-8420 or by Email.

Portsmouth Historical Society
43 Middle Street - PO Box 728
Portsmouth, NH 03802-0728
Telephone 603-436-8420

Recent News

  • NOW OPEN: "Changing Portsmouth"

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  • NOW OPEN "Stitches in Time: Portsmouth Samplers 1760-1840"

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  • NOW OPEN: "Birds, Beasties & Boats: Legacy of Adams Point

    Captain Edward Adams and his son Cass of Adams Point in Durham created a folk art legacy in ... Full Story