Portsmouth Athenæum

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

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.

We have temporarily suspended tours of the Sawtelle Reading Room and 1805 Building.

UPCOMING EVENT

2025 PACM Series: Piano and Cello Duo—Jessica Xylina Osborne (piano) and Yi Qun Xu (cello)

2025 PACM Series: Piano and Cello Duo—Jessica Xylina Osborne (piano) and Yi Qun Xu (cello)

Yi Qun Xu, winner of the New York International Artists Cello Competition, has been praised for her “masterful technique” and “rich tone” (The Day). A [...]

HOURS

 

Shaw Research Library &

Randall Gallery

 

Tuesday through Saturday
1 to 4 p.m.

 

 

Reading Room Tours

Unavailable at this time. Check back soon.

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.

November 2025: DINOVEMBER

November 2025: DINOVEMBER

By Research Librarian Jessica Zaricki Dinovember was developed in 2013 as a month-long celebration tapping into the whimsy children experience with their favorite toys, particularly dinosaurs. Since then, the practice has escaped households and found footholds in...

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Membership Libraries Group Takes Manhattan

Membership Libraries Group Takes Manhattan

By Keeper and Executive Director Tom Hardiman On October 15-17 the New York Society Library (founded in 1754) hosted the 36th meeting of the Membership Libraries Group, an organization established to foster communication among the remaining membership libraries in...

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Global Diversity Awareness Month

Global Diversity Awareness Month

By Research Librarian Jessica Zaricki Global Diversity Awareness Month gives us the opportunity to recognize and honor the vast range of cultures, ethnicities, abilities, and perspectives making up our communities. This diversity brings a positive impact to...

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