Betty & Barney

April 1 – November 2

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

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

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Support Portsmouth Historical Society

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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

Support Portsmouth Historical Society

Donate Today

Betty & Barney

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

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Open May 21–October 31

Contemporary Currents

April 1 through 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

John Paul Jones House

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Historical Walking Tours

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Upcoming Events

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)

July 1, 2026 - August 31, 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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Extended Historic Portsmouth Walking Tour. Two hours, covering all the highlights of the regular tour and more. Taking place on: Tour Dates: May 20 & 27 June 17 & 24 July 15 & 22 August 19 & 26 September 16 & 23 October 21 & 28

Historic Portsmouth Extended Walking Tour

August 26, 2026 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm at Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street by Portsmouth Historical Society | Walking Tours

Stretch your legs on our longest walking tour! This tour includes all the highlights of the Historic Portsmouth tour and gets visitors down to Prescott Park.

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Full Moon Sound Bath

August 28, 2026 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street by Portsmouth Historical Society | Exhibitions Programs

Join yoga and meditation practitioner, Chetana Parmar, for a transportive experience - a sound bath in our beautiful upstairs gallery.

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Historic Portsmouth Walking Tours (May-Oct)

September 1, 2026 - October 31, 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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“Betty & Barney” Curator Tour

September 4, 2026 @ 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm at Portsmouth Historical Society at 10 Middle Street by Portsmouth Historical Society

Learn how Betty and Barney Hill were civil rights champions, pop culture phenomena, and alleged alien abductees on this tour of the exhibition.

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Contact Us

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