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Tales from the Stacks: A Swift Deaccession

by Portsmouth Athenaeum | Jun 25, 2020 | Announcements, Library, Manuscripts

In the midst of re-numbering the entire library catalog, Librarian Robin Silva has uncovered some interesting history. In October 1907, a book had been discovered in the Athenaeum’s stock room, left there anonymously. Published in 1905, the book was The...

Researching Black History in the North Church

by Portsmouth Athenaeum | Jun 16, 2020 | Announcements, Manuscripts

By Archivist Susan Kindstedt   No collection at the Athenaeum provides the names of more individuals of African descent living in Portsmouth than the MS036 North Church Papers, 1640-1970 collection. Although the papers include the names of individuals, the...

Logbooks of Capt. Nathan Parker Simes

by Portsmouth Athenaeum | Apr 16, 2020 | Announcements, Manuscripts

By Susan Stowe-Kindstedt, Athenaeum Archivist The Athenaeum recently received a generous donation from a descendant of nineteenth-century Portsmouth sea captain Nathan Parker Simes. Simes was born in Portsmouth on August 1, 1833, the son of Ann (Yeaton) and Stephen...

FROM THE VAULT: New Kimball Bragdon Collection

by Portsmouth Athenaeum | Aug 15, 2018 | Announcements, Manuscripts

The Kimball Family. (l to r) Seated are Clara (1817-1893), Israel (1812-1890) and Helen (1860-1909). Standing are Israel Jr. (1855-1886), Sarah (1841-1918), George (1843-1923), Clara (1846-1931) and Mary (1848-1929). Photo by Davis Brothers of Portsmouth, NH, c. 1863....

The Athenaeum Featured on NHPR

by Portsmouth Athenaeum | Aug 31, 2017 | Announcements, Manuscripts

In 2016, Roland Goodbody, contract archivist at the Portsmouth Athenaeum, cataloged the NH-Maine border dispute papers of Harrison “Workie” Workman (1919-2007), a Portsmouth resident and lobsterman.  MS120 Harrison Workman Border Dispute Papers,...
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Recent News

  • May 2026: Jewish American Heritage Month
  • April 2026: National Poetry Month
  • On The Road Again, again
  • 2026 Lecture Series: The Spirit of 1776: Revolution, Constitution, Independence
  • March 2026: Smuttynose Island Murders

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Franklin Club
Franklin Club
February 4, 2026    
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Portsmouth Athenaeum
  • Franklin Club
Franklin Club, Sawtelle Reading Room
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 [...]
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Franklin Club
Franklin Club
March 4, 2026    
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Portsmouth Athenaeum
  • Franklin Club
Franklin Club, Sawtelle Reading Room
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 [...]
More Info
Opening Reception for "New Hampshire Women Trailblazers"
Opening Reception for "New Hampshire Women Trailblazers"
March 6, 2026    
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Portsmouth Athenaeum
  • Exhibit Events
Exhibits, NH Women Trailblazers, Randall Gallery
The New Hampshire Women Trailblazers exhibit is a tribute to NH women who challenged social, economic, and political barriers. The exhibit will run from Friday, [...]
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Events on February 4, 2026
Franklin Club
Franklin Club
4 Feb 26
Portsmouth
Events on March 4, 2026
Franklin Club
Franklin Club
4 Mar 26
Portsmouth
Events on March 6, 2026
Opening Reception for "New Hampshire Women Trailblazers"
Opening Reception for "New Hampshire Women Trailblazers"
6 Mar 26
Portsmouth

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The Athenæum today continues a long tradition of mutual improvement by maintaining a library of over 40,000 volumes and an archive of materials relating to local history. The Athenæum also sponsors exhibitions, concerts, lectures, and other educational and cultural programs.

 




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(603) 431-2538

 

Public entrance shared with Ireland on the Square. Research Library and Gallery located on third floor.  Please call ahead for elevator access.

 

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P.O. Box 366
Portsmouth, NH 03802
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