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.

UPCOMING EVENT

2026 Lecture Series: "First in the Nation from the Beginning" with Judge William Delker

2026 Lecture Series: "First in the Nation from the Beginning" with Judge William Delker

In the spring and summer of 1775, tensions between New Hampshire colonists and royal Governor John Wentworth escalated to the point that Governor Wentworth fled [...]

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.

May 2026: Jewish American Heritage Month

May 2026: Jewish American Heritage Month

By Research Librarian Jessica Zaricki Each May, hundreds of organizations and Americans of all backgrounds connect to discover, explore, and celebrate the vibrant and varied American Jewish experience from the earliest days of our nation to the present. Please join us...

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April 2026: National Poetry Month

April 2026: National Poetry Month

By Research Librarian Jessica Zaricki In 1996, the American Academy of Poets launched National Poetry Month to honor the significance of poetry within our culture. For 30 years, this celebration has worked to increase the visibility of poets and to increase poetry’s...

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On The Road Again, again

On The Road Again, again

By Keeper and Executive Director Tom Hardiman Back in 2019, engineers gave us a warning that our Foye building was at least 100% overloaded with books, newspapers, and archival materials. With heroic help from staff, board, and volunteers, we were able to move 50% of...

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