We tell Portsmouth stories.

The Portsmouth Historical Society is dedicated to increasing public understanding and enthusiasm for local history. Our trustees, staff, sponsors, and members believe strongly that the uniqueness of Portsmouth is defined by the city's past. Our mission is to provide a central city location where, in cooperation with other historic groups, we can introduce, interpret, and stimulate the study of Portsmouth history.

The Society is the only institution focusing on the history of the entire community. To carry out its mission, the Society:

(1) Collects representative examples of the material and social culture of Portsmouth;

(2) Preserves its collections and buildings;

(3) Interprets those resources to interested residents, tourists, students, and historians and to the general public;

(4) Stimulates scholarship in local history, advocates for historic preservation in the region, and encourages exploration of diverse historic topics;

(5) Maintains the John Paul Jones House Museum, grounds, and gardens as a service to the city and its citizens, as an historic landmark for the nation and as a key destination point for cultural tourism in the region;

(6) Presents programs and exhibits about local history;

(7) Subscribes to current standards of museum practice, historic scholarship, and administrative management; and

(8) Operates as an educational, nonprofit museum.