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Libraries
Museums
Visitors Centers
The Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce operates year-round visitor center at 500 Market Street and a seasonal visitors booth in Market Square. Contact the Greater Portmouth Chamber of Commerce at (603) 436-3988, ext. 13. or http://www.portsmouthchamber.org for directions.
Libraries
Portsmouth Athenaeum was established in Portsmouth's Market Square in 1817. The Portsmouth Athenaeum is a nonprofit membership library with limited access and exhibits for the public. In the addition to the downstairs reading room, the athenaeum includes the Randall Gallery with ongoing exhibits free to visitors. Fully accessible to an organization of over 300 proprietors, the Athenaeum contains a superb collection of Portsmouth area historical archives and artifacts. Researchers should call for information about hours and access. Copley and Randall Rooms: Tue, Thu, 1 - 4pm, Sat, 10am - 4pm. 9 Market Square Portsmouth, NH 03801. (603) 431-2538.
Portsmouth Public Library "A world of information and entertainment awaits you with a Portsmouth Public Library card". Located at 8 Islington Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801, Phone: 603.427.1540 Fax: 603.433.0981. http://www.cityofportsmouth.com/library/
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Museums
The Children's Museum of Portsmouth is an award-winning, hands-on arts and sciences museum for children of all ages. It offers 19 engaging exhibits, an art gallery, daily creative activity, performances, and other special events throughout the year. For more information, call 603-436-3853, staff@childrens-museum.org, www.childrens-museum.org.
The John Paul Jones House is operated by the Portsmouth Historical Society and is located on the corner of Middle and State Streets and was a one-time boarding house. The spacious rooms are filled with 18th century furniture, cookware, and accessories. Open June-October. 603-436-8420. www.portsmouthhistory.org
Governor John Langdon House - Merchant, shipbuilder, Revolutionary patriot, and New Hampshire Governor, John Langdon built this house while serving in the state senate. The house emulates Langdon's status as Portsmouth's leading resident and was praised by President George Washington, who dined here in 1789. 143 Pleasant Street, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, 603-436-3205, open June-October, Friday through Sunday, www.historicnewengland.org.
Moffatt Ladd House on Market Street, is a charming house built by merchant, John Moffatt, who had a keen interest in architecture. In later years, Alexander Ladd created a beautiful terraced garden with paths that wind throughout. 603-436-8221.
Rundlet-May House - The merchant James Rundlet acquired his wealth in the textile trade. To proclaim his success, he built his mansion in 1807 on a terraced rise above the street and filled it with the finest furnishings. The wallpapers were imported from England and furniture was purchased from local cabinetmakers, whose work was noted for its fine craftsmanship and striking use of veneer. The house was equipped with the latest technologies of the day. Rundlet-May House, 364 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, 603-436-3205, www.historicnewengland.org.
Connect with the Past at Strawbery Banke Museum. Through restored furnished houses, exhibits, historic landscapes and gardens, and costumed role players, Strawbery Banke interprets the living history of generations who settled in Portsmouth from the late 17th century to the mid-20th century. Closed January. Call 603-433-1100 or visit www.strawberybanke.org for hours, educational events, and walking tours.
Built at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, the USS Albacore served the United States Navy as an experimental vessel. Considered a laboratory afloat as well as the fastest submarine in its time, the Albacore was developed into the prototype submarine and modeled throughout the world. Visit Albacore Park, 600 Market Street, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, 603-436-3680. http://www.ussalbacore.org/html/welcome_aboard.html
Built in 1716, the Warner House is a fine example of an early 18th century urban brick residence and was one of the first houses to be designated as a Registered National Historic Landmark. Visitors will find authentic Portsmouth furniture and the oldest colonial murals in the Unites States. www.warnerhouse.org, 603-436-5909.
The Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion is a National Historic Landmark overlooking Little Harbor. It was home to New Hampshire's first royal governor, Benning Wentworth, from 1752 to 1770. The Coolidge family, artists and art patrons, bought the mansion in 1886 and in 1954 donated it to the state of New Hampshire. Highlights include original flocked wallpaper, a French sauce kitchen, and some of the oldest lilacs in North America. The Visitor Center hosts the Coolidge Center for the Arts. Wentworth-Coolidge Commission, 603-436-6607, wcc@wcmansion.org, www.nhstateparks.org/ParksPages/WentworthCoolidge/WentCoolHom.
The Wentworth-Gardner House is located on Portsmouth's historic waterfront. The Georgian house known for its exquisite carving and unusual kitchen. 603-436-4406.
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