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 is open to the public from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday thru Saturday. For elevator access, please call (603) 431-2538. We are currently between exhibits.

UPCOMING EVENT

Franklin Club

Franklin Club

March 4, 2026    
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
The Junto, also known as the Leather Apron Club, was a club for mutual improvement established in 1727 by Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia. The Leather [...]

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.

February 2026: National Bird Feeding Month

February 2026: National Bird Feeding Month

By Research Librarian Jessica Zaricki In the United States, February tends to be a difficult month for wild bird populations. The cold and unforgiving weather contributes to their struggle to find food during the winter which lead to the development of a month in...

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January 2026: National Hot Tea Month

January 2026: National Hot Tea Month

By Research Librarian Jessica Zaricki What better way to meet the bitter cold of January than with a hot cup of tea? The annual observation of National Hot Tea Month allows for the opportunity to reflect on the historic, social, and cultural significance of the...

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December 2025: National Write a Friend Month

December 2025: National Write a Friend Month

By Research Librarian Jessica Zaricki This month, many of us will take the time to write to friends near and far in sending holiday cards, recaps of the past year, or best wishes for the coming year. Even our children might take part, as they write and send their...

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