Portsmouth Athenæum

A non-profit membership library, gallery, and archive, incorporated in 1817 and located in the heart of historic Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

NOTE: The Shaw Research Library will be CLOSED from Thursday, Feb. 13 to Friday, Feb. 21 to replace flooring.

The third-floor Shaw Research Library and Randall Gallery are open to the public from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday thru Saturday. For elevator access, please call (603) 431-2538.

Check our calendar of events for Saturday scheduled tours of the first-floor Sawtelle Reading Room.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Nothing from February 17, 2025 to February 24, 2025.

HOURS

 

Shaw Research Library &

Randall Gallery

 

Tuesday through Saturday
1 to 4 p.m.

 

 

Reading Room Tours

 
Some Saturdays
Volunteer Dependent
1 to 4 p.m.
(Check our calendar.)

EXPLORE THE ARCHIVES

The Athenæum houses an outstanding collection of documents and artifacts relating to local history. It also preserves what is undoubtedly the finest collection in the state of materials relating to the history of New Hampshire’s only major seaport.

February 2025: Black History Month

February 2025: Black History Month

By Research Librarian Jessica McClain Portsmouth’s Black history begins over 350 years ago in 1645—dating back almost as far as the area’s European history. Though many of their early stories involve enslavement and marginalization, Portsmouth’s Black residents built...

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2024 Report of the Keeper and Executive Director

2024 Report of the Keeper and Executive Director

Tom Hardiman, Keeper & Executive Director For many years now I have reported that the past year was remarkably successful, but the coming year looks precarious. For once, I am going to tempt fate and report that last year was remarkably successful and the coming...

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2025 Annual Meeting

2025 Annual Meeting

Sunday, January 12, 2025 3 p.m. Shaw Research Library and via Zoom   The agenda for the 206th Annual Meeting of the Proprietors of the Portsmouth Athenæum will include the following: • Welcome by the Presidento Approval of Minutes of the 2024 Annual Meetingo...

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