Founding Fathers such as Jefferson, Franklin, Adams and Hancock have become mythic figures over the past two-and-a-half centuries, and the entire nation will be celebrating them on this July 4th. There were, however, many other unsung patriots who risked all by putting their name to the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The New Hampshire Seacoast is one of the very few American communities that can boast one of our own among the Signers. The 250th anniversary of the Declaration’s adoption presents an opportunity to learn more about Portsmouth’s Gen. William Whipple, his varied roles in the early history of the United States and his personal evolution.
D. Allan Kerr is an ex-dockworker, former newspaperman and Navy veteran who lives in Kittery, Maine. He writes a regular column for Seacoast online. He also initiated and continues to organize the annual Whipple’s Reading event in Kittery to commemorate Independence Day.
For the 2026 Lecture Series “The Spirit of 1776: Revolution, Constitution, Independence,” each program begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Shaw Research Library (unless otherwise noted). Reservations for each program are required as seating is limited. If unable to keep a reservation, please call again to release the seat for someone else. Attendance at programs is free for Athenæum Proprietors, Subscribers and Friends. Guests and members of the public are welcome to attend the entire series by becoming a Friend of the Athenæum for as little as $25 per year, payable at the door. Admission to an individual program is $15.
Registration Information Online registration is available until 24 hours before the event. To reserve any remaining spots after that time, please call us at (603) 431-2538.
You will receive a confirmation email upon completing your registration. If you do not receive one, or if you have any questions, please contact events@portsmouthathenaeum.org.
Members: FREE
Proprietors, Subscribers, and Friends may attend this event for free. Membership at the Proprietor and Subscriber levels includes one complimentary spouse/partner guest pass.
Non-Members: $15
Admission to a single event.
Friend Membership: $25
This annual membership includes free admission for one person to the yearly lecture series.
The 2026 lecture series is sponsored by Whole Wealth Management.
