Join us at our Spring Auction, May 7

Support hands-on history and our 3rd grade education program

April 1 – November 2

Alien Abductees. Civil Rights Champions. Pop-Culture Phenomena.

Contemporary Currents

April 1 – November 14

A joint exhibition with NHAA featuring local artists depicting close encounters, fear of the unknown, civil rights, or feeling “other.”

View the artworks

Democracy or monarchy? Patriot or a Loyalist? Learn how Portsmouth citizens made and lived with these difficult choices.

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Spring Auction

Join us on May 7 for a night of hands-on history.
Light refreshments & beverages provided.
Live and silent auction items.

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Support Portsmouth Historical Society

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Betty & Barney

Alien Abductees. Civil Rights Champions. Pop-Culture Phenomena.

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Spring Auction for Hands on History

Thursday, May 7, 2026
5:30–7:30 pm

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John Paul Jones House

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Historical Walking Tours

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Upcoming Events

2026 Young Artists Contest

April 1, 2026 - May 31, 2026 at Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street by Portsmouth Historical Society | Exhibitions Programs

We invite our young visitors to explore their creativity! Visit our exhibitions, find a piece that inspires you, and create your own piece of writing or visual art.

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Image of downtown Portsmouth at the intersection of Market Square. The North Church steeple rises uup into the blue sky at left, a person is walking across the road and three story brick buildings line the right side of the street. Text reads "Daily Walking Tours"

Historic Portsmouth Walking Tours (May-Oct)

May 1, 2026 - June 30, 2026 at Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street by Portsmouth Historical Society | Walking Tours

Learn why Portsmouth is the hub of the New Hampshire Seacoast on a 90-minute walking tour covering over 400 years of history.

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Childrens Day 2026 Sunday, May 3 activities at Portsmouth Historical Society 12-3:30pm

Children’s Day: Young Artist Contest Workshop

May 3, 2026 @ 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm at Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street by Portsmouth Historical Society | Education Programs

Join us this Children’s Day with free admission for children and young people ages 18 and under! Enjoy crafts inspired by our current exhibitions. Maybe even submit your creation tot he Young Artist Contest.

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Spring Auction

May 7, 2026 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street by Portsmouth Historical Society | Education Programs, Welcome Center & Museum Shop Programs

A night to support our education & outreach programs, featuring hands-on history, an auction, and light refreshments in our beautiful museum setting.

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Portsmouth on Foor, a free family day. May 9, 11 am, a 45 minute family friendly walking tour with scavenger hunt!

Family Day: Portsmouth on Foot

May 9, 2026 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm at Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street by Portsmouth Historical Society | Education Programs, Walking Tours

In honor of Preservation Month, we are hosting a free family-friendly tour of downtown Portsmouth for junior historians and preservationists!

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Contact Us

Five children wave down at the photographer from the upstairs gallery over a white wooden balustrade.