Portsmouth Athenæum

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

Armsden Photographic Project

In 2018, the Athenaeum received the photographic collection of prolific photographer Douglas J. Armsden (1918-2009). This collection of mainly mid-20th century images of Portsmouth will nearly double the Athenaeum’s entire photograph collection. Find out how you can help preserve this important collection.

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 for tours of the first-floor Sawtelle Reading Room.

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 20, 2024
  • ***POSTPONED*** LECTURE SERIES: “General Benjamin Butler: Rapscallion Reformer” with Ann Beattie

    March 20, 2024 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
    Portsmouth Athenaeum, 9 Market Square, Portsmouth, NH 03801, USA

    Ann Beattie (Proprietor and Athenaeum board director) on Gen. Benjamin Butler.

    This program has been postponed and will be rescheduled at a later date.

March 21, 2024
  • Tour of Sawtelle Reading Room

    March 21, 2024 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

    The first-floor Sawtelle Reading Room in the 1805 building is open for tours. Donations accepted.

HOURS

 

Shaw Research Library &

Randall Gallery

 

Tuesday through Saturday

 

1 to 4 p.m.

 

 

Reading Room Tours

 
Volunteer Dependent
Saturdays &
Thursdays
 
1 to 2 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.

2024 Athenaeum Lecture Series

2024 Athenaeum Lecture Series

Every election year brings challenges, surprises and some stand-out personalities. The 2024 Athenaeum Lecture Series focuses in on electoral issues and people of importance to the electoral process, including the voter. As first in the nation, New Hampshire’s...

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Upcoming Athenaeum Concert Dates

Upcoming Athenaeum Concert Dates

SAVE THE DATES from the Athenaeum Performance Committee   ArtsAthenaeum Concert with "The Like Minds Ensemble" Friday, April 26, 2024 7:30 p.m. Sawtelle Reading Room   The Portsmouth Athenaeum Chamber Music offers this ArtsAtheneaum Concert featuring the...

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