The Portsmouth Historical Society is dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and promoting the history of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Founded in 1917, it operates two properties: its main building at 10 Middle Street and the historic John Paul Jones House. The organization gathers a diverse collection to illustrate and understand the history and material life of Portsmouth and the Seacoast area from the 17th century to the present. Visitors can explore museum exhibitions, join walking tours that cover the city's architecture and stories, browse the gift shop, and participate in various public programs. The Society's mission is to connect the community to its past, present, and future through collections, interpretation, education, and preservation, championing history, arts, and culture through acquisitions, preservation, exhibitions, programs, and publications.
















