house tours portsmouth nh

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Historical Walking Tours

Learn why Portsmouth is the hub of the New Hampshire Seacoast!

Our downtown is filled with hidden treasures., our knowledgeable walking tour guides will introduce you to the city’s rich past and lively present—a unique mix of architecture, specialty shops, and bustling streets nestled in a village-like setting..

Historic Portsmouth Walking Tour

Daily at 10:30 am 2nd and 4th fridays at 2:30 pm saturdays at 2:30 pm.

This daily 90-minute walking tour covers the streets, stories, buildings, and architecture of historic downtown Portsmouth.

From Loyalist to Liberty

Semi-monthly 1st and 3rd fridays at 2:30 pm.

Portsmouth, once the capitol of the British royal colony of New Hampshire, swiftly went from a hub of royal commerce to a center of patriot sentiment. Learn how the 1770s changed the course of Portsmouth for decades to come.

"Gay" Old Times: Stories of Portsmouth's LGBTQ+ Community

Once a month 3rd sunday at 2:30 pm.

The hidden history of LGBT clubs, organizations, and people who impacted the seacoast of NH. Tour guide, Tom Kaufhold will take you through Portsmouth for this engaging 90 minute tour. You will pass by many beautiful historic sites and learn some important facts about Portsmouth LGBT people, places and events.

Women of Portsmouth

Once a month 2nd wednesday at 2:30 pm.

Learn the untold stories of navigators, preachers, artists, authors, tavern keepers, and madams who defied stereotypes and shaped Portsmouth. Portsmouth Hisotrical Society staff member and Tour Guide Sabina Ion will take you through Portsmouth for this engaging 90-minute tour.

Along The Waterfront

Twice a month 3rd and 4th wednesdays at 2:30 pm.

Stretch your legs on our longest walking tour! This two-hour tour includes Prescott Park, the working waterfront, the tugboats, a bit of beer history and more. Born and bred Portsmouth local, Ron Sher, adds personal anecdotes and depth to this extended tour.

Private Tours

Our walking tour guides cover a great deal of history and would be happy to lead your group on a private walking tour. Please contact our Walking Tour Manager at 603-570-2494 or [email protected]

Walking Tour

Portsmouth historical society members.

• Tours run May 1 through October 31.
• You can upgrade your ticket for just $5 to include admission to the John Paul Jones Historic House Museum (open Memorial Day weekend through Indigenous Peoples Day) and the Portsmouth Historical Society galleries.
• Walk-ins are welcome, but tour space is limited. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
• Pets are not allowed on the walking tours.
• All tours depart from the Portsmouth Historical Society, 10 Middle Street. Please gather inside at the welcome center desk.
• Private walking tours outside the daily schedule are available for $25 per person. Contact us at least 48 hours prior to your desired tour time: Walking Tour Manager (603) 570-2494 or [email protected] .
• Please click the button below or call (603) 436-8433 to reserve a ticket and for more information.
• Walking tour tickets are non-refundable . Tickets are fully transferrable to another date or person. Please call (603) 436-8433 before your originally scheduled tour time to make changes.
• Are you visiting Portsmouth on a bus tour? Learn about our bus tour options .

Guides will be microphoned and headsets available. You may use our thoroughly sanitized earphones, your own 3.5mm earphones, or purchase a $4 pair of earbuds at the Museum Shop.

• Destinations

Historic Home Tours in Portsmouth

Like many New England cities, Portsmouth is full of history and interesting architecture, as it was one of the earliest English settlements in New England. Guests of our two boutique Portsmouth hotels The Hotel Portsmouth and Ale House Inn love the mix of historic homes and seaside attractions in historic Portsmouth. Tour a historic home in Portsmouth is a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the area's founding while ogling some beautiful architecture and furniture. Next time you're on a lark to Seacoast New Hampshire, take a tour of a historic home in Portsmouth.

Jackson House | 76 Northwest St, Portsmouth | (603) 436-3205

Head out Maplewood Ave, over the North Mill Pond, to find the Jackson House , the oldest house in New Hampshire. Built in the mid-1700s, this wood-framed home is characteristic of the period, when descendants of the first English settlers began building homes using the virgin timber they found in New England. A wide brick hearth marks the kitchen in the back of the house, and several additions to the home throughout the years allowed for more space as the Jackson family grew. Tours are offered on the first and third Saturday of every month through the summer.

Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden | 154 Market St, Portsmouth | (603) 436-8221

This stately home overlooks the Piscataqua River, built in the 1760s for the son of John Moffett, a wealthy mercantile trader and ship captain. The family's history is a tangled one, involving bankruptcy, a failed slave trade, and Revolutionary War tensions. The house stayed in the Moffatt-Ladd family for nearly 150 years and then became a museum in 1912. The mansion is beautifully restored and filled with period furniture and decor. The grounds and gardens are also worth a visit; the highlight is the horse chestnut tree planted in 1776 by William Whipple after he returned home from signing the Declaration of Independence. Tours are available daily.

Governor John Langdon House | 143 Pleasant St, Portsmouth | (603) 436-3205

You may notice this Georgian mansion in your travels, as it's located just a few blocks from The Hotel Portsmouth . Built in 1784, its first owner was a wealthy businessman in the colony and served in the navy during the Revolutionary War. He was later elected to Governor as New Hampshire, serving for three terms. His home has grand reception rooms and ornate wooden detailing, fitting for a man that amassed so much wealth and political standing in his lifetime. Tour this grand mansion Friday through Sunday.

The Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden will open on June 1, 2024

(tour reservations are not accepted except for larger groups. groups of 10 or more must schedule ahead of time), if you’re interested in renting the garden for a special event, scheduling group tours or school tours, please email us at [email protected] or call (603) 430-7968, please check our facebook page for the latest updates..

June 1 – Oct. 15 2024 Every day except Wednesdays 11am to 4pm.  Tours every 45 minutes starting at 11am with the last tour at 3:30pm. Advance reservations or tickets are not necessary/required. We do not have the capacity to take reservations – please just show up!

Please check our Facebook page for updates on early closings or late openings, and for special free admission days.

Adults : $12.00

Seniors (65 +): $10.00

Children (ages 7-12): $8.00

Children 6 and under: FREE

Garden Admission Only: FREE

Garden is open to the public for FREE during open hours

Members of the Friends of the Moffatt-Ladd House and Garden receive free admission passes to the house and garden and invitations to special programs.  Shop discounts and discounts on other programs are available to members joining at the Family level or higher.  See Friends page for further details.

Directions & Parking

Driving Directions

Directions to the Moffatt-Ladd House and Garden: From Interstate 95, North or South, take Exit 7, Downtown Portsmouth, Historic Sites. From the South, take a right at the end of the exit ramp, from the North, take a left at the end of the exit ramp. You will be on Market Street. The Moffatt-Ladd House is at 154 Market Street. The most convenient parking is at the Municipal Parking Garage at the corner of High and Hanover streets, just 1/2 block from the Moffatt-Ladd House. Parking rates are $0.75 per hour. On-street parking is $0.75 per hour. The Moffatt-Ladd House and Garden is site #7 on the map shown below.

Parking in Portsmouth

Parking is available on-street or in the High Hanover Garage just one block from the Moffatt-Ladd House, and in the new Foundry Place Garage which is four blocks away. Handicapped parking is available on advanced request–please call the office at (603) 430-7968 during the week to make arrangements.

Helpful parking links: www.parkportsmouth.com www. cityofportsmouth.com/ publicworks/parkportsmouth/ hanover- parking -garage www. cityofportsmouth.com/ publicworks/parkportsmouth/ foundry-place-garage

On-street parking is difficult in the Summer, but more available in the Fall.  Meters across from the Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden are three-hour meters.  Meters are in operation from 9AM-8PM Monday through Saturday and from 12 noon to 8PM on Sunday.  Most metered spaces are controlled by muni-meters spaced along the street.  The muni-meters take change, bills, and credit cards.  They dispense tickets noting the expiration time of your parking which must be displayed on the dashboard of your car.

Bus Parking

After dropping off guests at the entrance to the Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden, buses may park in the Connect Community Church Parking Lot at 200 Chase Drive, just off Market Street, near the exit/entrance to I-95.  See www.parkportsmouth.com for map showing all Portsmouth municipal lots. 

Office Phone: (603) 430-7968

Erica McAvoy, Executive Director

[email protected]

Maddie Beihl, Education and Interpretation Manager

[email protected]

Mikaela Reisman, Development and Outreach Manager

[email protected]

Group Tours

The Museum Office

While you are here, please plan to visit the Moffatt-Ladd House gift shop. We have heirloom plants for sale throughout the season from our extensive garden, as well as seedlings from the Whipple Horsechestnut tree, dubbed “The Tree of Independence” by Famous and Historic Trees.

We also have a variety of Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden merchandise including mugs, china coasters, Cat’s Meow houses and ornaments, linen towels, and tote bags.

The Moffatt-Ladd House: From Mansion to Museum ($15) tells the story of the history of the house and its restoration and includes more detailed catalog entries on twenty-five objects from the museum’s collection. Alexander H. Ladd’s Garden Book, 1888-1895: A 19th Century View of Portsmouth ($20) includes a full transcription of Ladd’s diary as well as period photographs and essays on the garden’s history.  Both are available by mail for an additional charge.

The shop also carries a variety of related books and gifts for both adults and children.

Related Websites

Portsmouth, NH, is a great destination for lovers of history, nature, fine dining, kayaking, bicycling, and fine arts and contemporary crafts galleries.  Two tour boat companies offering harbor and river cruises operate from the wharves just below the Moffatt-Ladd House.  Portsmouth, in tax-free New Hampshire, is also a great place to shop.

The Moffatt-Ladd House and Garden is a member of Portsmouth Historic House Associates, is a site on Portsmouth’s Black Heritage Trail and Harbor Trail, and is a member of the NH Heritage Museum Trail.

New this season! Moffatt-Ladd is now a member of North American Reciprocal Museum Association (NARM), which means that members at the NARM level and above have free admission and even more benefits at all NARM museums!

For more information on restaurants, hotels, and shopping, visit: https://www.cityofportsmouth.com/ 

For more information on Portsmouth’s historic house museums and sites, visit: https://www.portsmouthhistoric.org/

For more information on Portsmouth’s Black Heritage Trail, visit: https://blackheritagetrailnh.org/

For more information on NARM, visit: https://narmassociation.org/

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Portsmouth Fairy House Tours

September 24, 2022  -  september 25, 2022 10:00 am  -  3:00 pm strawbery banke museum, john langdon house, & prescott park.

Rain or shine.

16th Annual Portsmouth Fairy House Virtual Tour  October 3 & 4, 2020     "Providing Enchanted homes for fairies & Gnomes Since 2004"

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Tours for all preferences

Take a scenic walking, bus, or bike tour and explore our city! See some of our recommendations below.

Check out our Tour Calendar! 

Black heritage trail of nh.

Tours offered by the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire (BHTNH)  explore the rich and often forgotten African-American history. The stories our Sankofa Scholars have uncovered and share with visitors illustrate how the earliest Africans in America were committed to self-determination, service, and building community. This nuanced and shared history continues to shape our collective present and future.

Portsmouth Harbour Trail & Guided Tours

Portsmouth boasts 400 years of history, culture, architecture, and scenic beauty, and you can see it all along the Portsmouth Harbour Trail. Join a walking tour and let our knowledgeable guides highlight the historic homes, trademark tugboats and working waterfront, vibrant Market Square, colorful Prescott Park, and more.

Walking tours available at 1:00 PM, Thursdays and Saturdays, Mid May  through mid October. 

Register here

Market Square Kiosk, in front of Tuscan Market 

(603) 610-5510

Self Guided Walking tour books available for purchase at Visitor Center / downtown Information Kiosk

Portsmouth Historical Society Walking Tours

Learn why Portsmouth is the hub of the New Hampshire Seacoast and explore our beautiful city on foot. Walking tour options include:

-Daily Historic Downtown Tour

-The Portsmouth Path of President Washington

-Gay Old Times: Stories of Portsmouth’s LGBTQ+ Community

-Women of Portsmouth Tour

Guided tours are conducted daily, May through October. Reservations encouraged, walk-ins welcome. Private tours can be booked via email throughout the year. 

10 Middle Street

(603)436-8433

Portsmouth Eats

Portsmouth Eats guides visitors on a tasting tour of unique and memorable dining experiences at the best restaurants in Portsmouth NH. On our tours, learn why Portsmouth is a culinary destination.

(603) 571-3287

Portsmouth Library

Local History & Geneology

Hours:  The Special Collections Room is open to the public during the regular hours of the library. No appointment necessary

Walking Tour Digital Map

175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth, NH 03801

(603) 427-1540

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Legendary Tours and Events In New England

Celebrating Over 20 Years of History, Mystery, Folklore & More

Choose Your Activity!

Legendary tours.

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• Most Popular!

Historic Portsmouth Legends and Ghost Walk

Portland Magazine says – “Getting scared half to death – and loving it!” This is our flagship tour and most popular walk!

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Legendary Tours, Events and So Much More

Portsmouth, New Hampshire’s longest running and original ghost tour

– now celebrating over 20 years!

Tales of folklore, ghosts and mysterious history with author and historian Roxie Zwicker . 

Roxie has been entertaining the locals, visitors from away and curious souls since with her unique stories since 1994. New England Curiosities has been offering tours, speaking engagements and special haunted events since 2002. Highly respected and thoroughly entertaining, you’ll be talking about your experience for months to come. So join us and experience why we’ve been featured in the Boston Herald and the New York Times. Our TV appearances include New Hampshire Chronicle, The History Channel and the Travel Channel!  

Discover why we are consistently on top of travel and tourism lists – “One of the 10 Best Ghost Tours in the USA” – Fox News , “New England’s Top 5 Cemetery Tours” – Yankee Magazine . “One of the 3 best alternatives to visiting Salem, Massachusetts” – Boston Globe .  

Be sure to check out our Events page for even more fun and unique things to do, all year long!

Our tours are the perfect way to get to know Portsmouth and the New Hampshire Seacoast!  Have lunch or dinner at one of our amazing local restaurants and then come and join us for an adventure!

We do accommodate private tours whenever possible, just ask!

Looking to explore your spiritual side?  Schedule a Tarot Card or Tea Leaf Reading with Roxie. Excited to learn more?  Join Roxie for a workshop and discover the magical side of you.

We Offer Virtual Fun, too! – We have a large variety of Virtual Tours that we are offering of places throughout New England.  You don’t want to miss those.  Plus, we have expanded our list of presentations that we offer in person as well through Zoom classroom!

Gift Certificates are available by clicking HERE .

Check out our online store where you can order autographed books on the haunted history of New England – along with lots of other spooky goods! New England Curiosities Online Store

Our Popular Links!

Tarot & tea leaf readings, wicked curious radio show, experience the best ghost tour in portsmouth ★★★★★.

Amazing and eye-opening tour of the portsmouth waterfront. Roxie, the tour guide, was awesome and full of great information. The 90 minute tour flew by so fast even though it was freezing and raining out. Highly recommend booking this tour if you really want to know the down and dirty of portsmouth past.

We absolutely enjoyed our tour! Roxie was our tour guide and owner of New England Curiosities. So, knowledgeable about so much history in Portsmouth,NH. It was interesting to hear and see where all these spooky ghost stories started and where these tragedies took place. It is very important to learn from the past and remember in the present. If you enjoy the paranormal and love history this is the tour for you! Spooky

Being that autumn/Halloween is our most favorite time of the year we like to travel for different, unique events. This year took a trip up to Portsmouth NH for The Witche's Cottage event and it was so worth the drive!!! Such a beautiful area and lovely event! Can't wait til next year! Thank You Roxie!

Roxie was incredible! My husband and I live right in downtown Portsmouth and did the ghost tour. We learned so much about the history literally right outside our front door! It was very fascinating how much she knows about the area. Roxie clearly is passionate about what she does and is entertaining along the way! Highly recommend whether you are local or visiting! There is so much history here to learn!

Amazing experience. I highly recommend enjoying this for yourself. So much more than I expected I learned new facts about historical events that took place in Portsmouth. Ghost stories and legends were brought to life before our eyes by our magical tour guide Roxie Zwicker. Walking along the beautiful streets melds the past and present together to create a wonderful blend that one can't stop drinking in. I would love to go again.

Open Houses & Tours

Tours are currently on hold because of storm damage to the walkway leading out to the lighthouse and the base of the lighthouse. THERE ARE NO TOURS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Aside from tours, the best view of the lighthouse is from Great Island Common, the town park on Route 1B in New Castle. Click here for details. 

MORE ON TOURS AT PORTSMOUTH HARBOR LIGHTHOUSE:

Please note that the lighthouse is on an active U.S. Coast Guard station. It is imperative that everyone observe the posted signs and stay away from all Coast Guard buildings, boats, and other facilities. We are grateful for the Coast Guard’s cooperation and we need everyone to act in a responsible fashion while on this military installation. Thank you.

Please note that children must be 42 inches tall to climb the lighthouse stairs, and adults are not permitted to carry children up the stairs.

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

We need more volunteers to help with our tours! If you’re interested in helping let us know at [email protected]  or call (603) 534-0537.

If you are looking for stamps for the U.S. Lighthouse Society’s Passport Program , you can get the stamps for Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, Whaleback Lighthouse, and White Island Lighthouse on our tours. The Seacoast Science Center in Rye, NH, has stamps for these lighthouses plus Boon Island, Maine. Click here for hours and more information.  The Kittery Historical and Naval Museum has a stamp for Whaleback Lighthouse; click here for hours and information . Discover Portsmouth has stamps for Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse and Whaleback Lighthouse; click here for more information.

Discover the Piscataqua's Heritage

Buy Tickets

Tickets are live for our 2024 season!

Come aboard for a tour of the NH Seacoast’s waterways on a 1963 60′ Deltaville Deadrise.

Our narrated cruises are casual, sometimes amusing and always informative. Whether discussing the birdlife of the inland waterways, the folklore of the Isles of Shoals, the ship building history of Portsmouth Harbor, or just musing on the ever changing tides of the Piscataqua, our captains always have something of interest to offer.

Narrated Cruises

Come aboard for a tour of the NH Seacoast’s waterways. Our cruises are casual, sometimes amusing and always informative. We offer a variety of cruises to choose from.

Choose A Cruise

Private Events

Charter a private boat ride aboard the 49 passenger M/V Heritage. From small gatherings to large functions, we can help make your event memorable and easy to plan.

Book A Charter

What Are People Saying

Aaaaaaaaaaawesome! Just do it!

We did Portsmouth Harbor Cruises with my one year old daughter. It was so awesome, to be honest it was breathtaking. We live in Portsmouth since five month and now I know (again) how beautiful this place is. We want to do the sunset cruise soon. Can’t get enough!

—Martina, June 2022

Best night EVER!

The "Sunset Cruise" with Captain Eric was absolutely AWESOME...he was so knowledgeable about the different sites along the way and so friendly, we had a great time. We will definitely be back again!

—Laura H., June 2022

Relaxing, 2' tour of Portsmouth Harbor

Nice tour of the harbor with just the right amount of commentary / explanations.

Calm, easy-going 2' cruise of the Harbor.

—Tom U, July 2021

A Must Do When Visiting Portsmouth

We had an excellent private family charter of the boat for a special occasion. From start to finish the the experience was first rate. Both the captain and crew member / bartender were great to engage with, and provided excellent service. The cruise provides a memorable view of the Portsmouth harbor and outlying islands.

—Stetsoninc, June 2021

Fantastic informative cruise

Amazing. Very informative! Such quality for the price. Best deal in town. It was a wonderful trip with family.

—Becky A., May 2021

Best Cruise in Town

One of my favorite things to do whenever I visit Portsmouth. The cruise is relaxing, casual and informative and offers the best views of the city and surrounding area.

—Andrew R., June 2020

More Reviews →

Come Experience The Seacoast!

Portsmouth summer 2024: Guide to festivals, tall ships, music, shows, history, food, more

PORTSMOUTH — It’s shaping up to be a summer of song, sea, history and the arts in Portsmouth in 2024. There are many ways to celebrate the season in the city.

Read on to learn about the not-to-be missed special events and gems that make summer shine in Portsmouth. We cover everything from maritime history and events, to historic homes to new restaurants and breweries, to live concerts and shows, festivals of all kinds and more.

Enjoy Portsmouth on the water

At the heart of the city is its maritime history from its beginnings as an abundant fishing ground to its world-class shipbuilding reputation that has spanned centuries. A visit to Portsmouth is not complete without getting out on the water, sailing the Piscataqua River, Portsmouth Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean, which brought settlers to its shores.

2024 Sail Portsmouth tall ships festival

This year’s Sail Portsmouth Festival will bring the nation’s most famous tall ship, the Coast Guard’s cutter The Eagle to the Piscataqua River. It will arrive in the Parade of Sail from the mouth of the river into Portsmouth on the morning of Friday, July 26 and dock at the State Pier on Market Street for public tours on Saturday and Sunday, July 27-28. Two additional tall ships — the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey and the S/V Denis Sullivan — will join the Eagle in the Parade of Sail and then offer sails for the public to experience life on the sea in a tall ship. There’ll also be a dockside tent with educational and entertaining activities. Visit sailportsmouth.org for tickets and information.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

More: Eagle to lead Sail Portsmouth tall ships festival in 2024. Here are the details.

Cruise to lighthouses

Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses will offer two Sunset Lighthouses Cruises this summer on June 21 and 28 aboard the M/V Granite State, departing from Rye Harbor on Route 1A in Rye. The cruises will pass close to Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, Whaleback Lighthouse, and White Island Lighthouse in the Isles of Shoals. The narrator will be lighthouse historian/author Jeremy D’Entremont, and there will be raffles for prizes and a snack bar on board.

The group will also offer a Five Lighthouse Cruise Saturday, Sept. 21 leaving at 8:30 a.m. Information: portsmouthharborlighthouse.org .

Explore on The Heritage

You can learn about Portsmouth Harbor on a narrated cruise on The Heritage, a 49-passenger boat where you can see the city, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and lighthouses from the water, and learn about the river’s role in the area’s eco-system. Information: portsmouthharbor.com .

Visit the Isles of Shoals

Sail out to the Isles of Shoals, which are about seven miles from Portsmouth, with the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company for trip into an earlier time and a serene setting. You can also disembark for a tour of Star Island, once home to grand hotels and world-famous artists, and now home to educational retreats run by the nonprofit Star Island Corporation, which now owns the island. Visit islesofshoals.com/ to see when its Thomas Leighton’s next trip is and don’t miss the boat.

Sail on The Gundalow

You can learn about the area’s maritime heritage sailing aboard an authentic gundalow, a cargo barge with a shallow draft that was commonly used to transport goods and materials around the area’s rivers and estuaries for centuries. The Gundalow Company offers sails of different kinds and themes on the Gundalow Piscataqua several times a day during the summer. Visit  gundalow.org/sahttps://portsmouthwatertaxi.com/il-with-us for tickets and times.

Portsmouth Water Taxi

New this year is a water taxi service located at the Sullivan Boat Launch on Pierce Island in Portsmouth. You can get a ride into Portsmouth by boat so you can enjoy the city on foot with no worries about parking or having to drive home. Information: portsmouthwatertaxi.com or call 603) 550-1380.

Historic museums and sights in Portsmouth

Strawbery banke museum.

You can stroll through centuries as you tour the historic homes preserved at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth. The museum has some hidden gems you don’t want to miss this summer.

There’s a new activity, “Think Blue, What Can You Do?” in the museum’s Water Has A Memory exhibit; new features at the Walsh House like an interactive dining etiquette lesson from 1802; Guided Garden Tours on weekdays from June 10 to Sept. 29 to learn about preserving the museum’s heirloom flora; and Behind-The-Scenes Guided Tours where you can handle objects and learn history firsthand.

‘The Matter of Memory’ exhibit

Over at the Discover Portsmouth Center at 10 Middle St., the Portsmouth Historical Society presents “The Matter of Memory,” its exhibition this summer which is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit studies the role of museums in preserving and shaping a community’s memory and how these institutions’ choices affect how we understand our history. Information: portsmouthhistory.org .

Historic Portsmouth walking tours

The Portsmouth Historical Society presents the Historic Portsmouth walking tour daily during the summer. It also offers four themed walking tours highlighting the city’s LGBTQ history, women’s history and others. Visit portsmouthhistory.org/walking-tours .

Black Heritage Trail tours

The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire is offering 11 different Sankofa guided walking tours covering a variety of events and aspects of the city’s Black history. Check topics and times, and register at blackheritagetrailnh.org/sankofa-guided-walking-tours-2 .

John Paul Jones House

The John Paul Jones House at 43 Middle St. opens on Memorial Day Weekend for tours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays to Mondays, and contains the society’s ongoing history exhibits. Information: portsmouthhistory.org/jpj .

Juneteenth celebrations

This year’s Juneteenth celebrations presented by the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire will have the theme “Dreaming Black Art: Gateways to a New Awareness.” Events in June in Portsmouth include an artist reception, an in-depth conversation on Black masculinity, a live concert, a children's drumming workshop, African drumming, and more. The annual ceremony at the African Burying Ground in Portsmouth will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 19 and that night there’s a concert celebrating “The Magic Of Motown” at The Music Hall at 7:30 p.m. Visit blackheritagetrailnh.org/juneteenth-celebration-2024 .

Portsmouth’s historic homes

Historic New England oversees three of the city’s most popular historic houses and will hold free Open Houses for the public on Saturday, June 1. The Jackson House, 76 Northwest St., will be open 11a.m. to 3 p.m.; The Langdon House, 143 Pleasant St., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Rundlet-May House, 364 Middle St., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will also host special events like “From the South End to the West End: A Walking Tour of Portsmouth” on June 28, July 12 and Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. leaving from the Langdon House; “Behind the Scenes of the Rundlet-May House” on June 29 and July 27 at 10 a.m.; and the Jackson House and Christian Shore Landscape Tour, Aug. 24 at 2:30 p.m. Call (603) 436-3205 for more information and tickets or visit historicnewengland.org .

Frederick Douglass Reading

Community leaders will gather at Strawbery Banke Museum’s Goodwin Garden on Hancock Street to read Frederick Douglass’ “What To The Slave Is Your Fourth of July?” and reflect on its meaning from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 29. This event is free and open to the public. Visit blackheritagetrailnh.org/frederick-douglass-statewide-readings .

Portsmouth’s flair for flavor

Summer is here and the eating is easy in Portsmouth. With more restaurant seats than residents, Portsmouth has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to excellent chefs, welcoming restaurants, variety of cuisines and great food to experience.

Chowderfest kicks off a season of seafood

Celebrate New England’s quintessential chowder culture at the annual Chowder Festival Summer Kickoff on Saturday, June 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Chowder Festival presents chowders from 20 to 30 local restaurants to sample as they compete for the prized Golden Ladle.You can vote for the People’s Choice award winner, a restaurant that will reign along with the judges’ choice for the Seacoast’s best chowder. Tickets to this fundraiser for the Prescott Park Arts Festival are available at prescottpark.org .

Taste a local oyster

Oysters are a rising star of the region’s cuisine. Farmed right here in the Great Bay and the waterways around Hampton and Seabrook, local oysters are a must-try on a visit to Portsmouth. Check out the Little Bay Beauties or 603 Oysters and others at Franklin Oyster House or Row 34 and don’t miss the Shuck a Buck on Tuesdays at Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Cafe . Shuck a Buck season at Jay’s ends June 25 and starts up again in the fall.

More: Portsmouth's booming restaurants hit 36,000 seats in city of 22,000 residents

Portsmouth Farmers’ Market

The Portsmouth Farmers’ Market takes place each Saturday during the summer and features an array of local produce, meat, crafts, artisans, products and music. It runs from 8 a.m. to noon at the parking lot in front of City Hall at 1 Junkins Ave. in Portsmouth.

Tour breweries in Portsmouth

You can easily take a stroll through Portsmouth’s downtown and visit multiple breweries. Park in one of the city’s two garages or Uber in and taste a sample, from Great Rhythm Brewing , 105 Bartlett St.; Loaded Question Brewing , 909 Islington St., Suite 2; Liars Bench Beer Co ., 459 Islington St. and Earth Eagle Brewings , 175 High St..

New restaurant Bao 155

New on the corner of Congress St. and Maplewood Ave. is Bao 155, offering Thai street food from the same crew that owns Bamee Durham near the UNH campus in Durham. It’s in the building where the Portsmouth Health Food Store was located next to Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club. Check out its menu at bao155portsmouth.com .

Waterview Grill is new, too

In the spot on the waterfront where Poco’s and Rio Tequila Cantina were formerly located, you’ll find the new Waterview Grill. It’s owned by the Labrie Group — brothers and entrepreneurs Michael and Peter Labrie — which also owns Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club, the nearby River House restaurant and the Atlantic Grill in Rye. if it’s nice out, you can dine on the deck looking out at the city’s famous tugs. See what’s cooking at waterviewgrillnh.com .

More: Waterview Grill to replace Rio Tequila Cantina on Portsmouth waterfront this spring

Oar House turns 50

Just down Ceres Street from the Waterview, the Oar House restaurant is celebrating its 50th birthday this summer. New owners Casey Anderson and Halley Bushe plan to commemorate the year by spotlighting the history of the restaurant and the site within Merchant’s Row all year long. Anderson is a fourth-generation Portsmouth resident who bought the business from former owners Raymond Guerin and Peter DiZoglio in 2022 and also owns the seasonal restaurant Purple Urchin in Hampton Beach. Visit oarhousenh.com .

More: Oar House restaurant celebrating 50 years on Portsmouth waterfront

Wentworth By The Sea celebrating 150th anniversary

Next door on the island of New Castle, the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel is celebrating its 150th birthday with a reception Friday, June 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. The theme is “Gilded Era Dishes With Fresh Modern Twists.” According to the hotel’s website, Executive Chef Lee Michael combed through the hotel’s archives and menus for inspiration using Gilded-Era New England staples like pickled vegetables, lamb and salted cod “with fresh, approachable twists.” There’ll be a cash bar, drink specials and live jazz by the David Newsam Duo. Period costumes encouraged. Visit opalcollection.com/wentworth for tickets.

In addition to the party, the hotel is offering events to celebrate its history like Croquet on the Grand Lawn lessons, sessions to learn to cook dishes from the hotel’s Gilded-Era menus, hotel history tours, and High Tea in the Lobby as well as special menus and drinks at its Salt Kitchen & Bar restaurant during the month of June.

Food festivals

Other food celebrations near Portsmouth include the New England Hot Sauce Festival on July 27 newenglandhotsaucefest.com at the Smuttynose Brewing campus in Hampton

Smuttynose will celebrate its own 30th Birthday Bash on Saturday, July 13 from noon to 5 p.m. They’ll mark the anniversary by bringing back the company's very first beer Shoals Pale Ale to mark the occasion at their Hampton campus where they’ll also host the Smutty Games that day for teams to compete in and win prizes. Visit smuttynose.com/event/smuttynose-30th-anniversary-celebration .

The Portsmouth Food Truck and Craft Brewery Festival will take place on Saturday, Aug. 18 from noon to 5 p.m. at Cisco Brewers Portsmouth on the Pease Tradeport. Visit foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com/portsmouth .

Vintage and Vine

History and wine blend at Vintage & Vine - A Wine Festival in Historic Style at Strawberry Banke Museum on Thursday, Sept. 12 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Rain or shine, for the 36th year, this fine wine and food festival will showcase the Seacoast’s best chefs and wine brokers and raise funds for the museum’s educational and preservation efforts. This event sells out quickly every year. Tickets go on sale for museum members June 10 at 10 a.m.; to the public June 17 at 10 a.m. Get them at strawberybanke.org/vintage-vine .

N.H. Brewfest

The 16th annual N.H. Brewfest will take place Saturday, Oct. 12 at Cisco Brewers Portsmouth and feature the state’s and the region’s best craft brewers. This is a fundraiser for the Prescott Park Arts Festival and the New England District of the Master Brewers Association of the Americas. Visit prescottpark.org for tickets and information.

Summer happenings

There’s nowhere quite like Portsmouth in the summertime when celebrations of the long-awaited season break out on a daily basis. Here are some of the city’s seasonal highlights.

Market Square Day

Portsmouth’s celebration of the heart of the city is Market Square Day, which will take place Saturday, June 8 from 9 to 4 p.m. The city’s largest street festival is free and will feature food, fun, entertainment, vendors, nonprofit organization, craftsmen and artisans, and the annual 10K race to kick off the morning. Information: proportsmouth.org .

'Legally Blonde' and concerts at Prescott Park Arts Festival

The city’s annual summer celebration of the arts, the Prescott Park Arts Festival, is celebrating its golden anniversary. This outdoor musical theater and concert series fills Prescott Park on Portsmouth’s waterfront just about every night of the summer. This summer, the festival will present “Legally Blonde, The Musical” most Thursdays through Sundays at 7 p.m. from June 21 to Aug. 11. You can bring a blanket or a chair and find your spot on the banks of the Piscataqua River, and enjoy a picnic and a great show. The performances are free. A donation at the gate is suggested for each attendee. You can buy a season pass, make a donation online, or reserve a blanket or a 4-person table with a great view for a fee at prescottpark.org .

The festival’s concert series lineup this year will include The Lone Bellow on Friday, June 14; the Preservation Hall Jazz Band on Wednesday, June 26; folk music icon Patty Griffin on Wednesday, July 17; and singer Allen Stone, who was a huge crowd pleaser at last summer’s concert series, on Monday, Aug. 5 among many others. All theater performances and concerts start at 7 p.m.

Pocket Gardens of Portsmouth Tour

The 35th annual Pocket Gardens of Portsmouth Tour will take place Friday, June 21 from 5 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, June 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year's tour concentrates on gardens in the Little Harbor neighborhood bordered by South Street, Middle Street, and Miller Avenue and will feature eight private gardens, one public garden, and educational opportunities with John Forti, author of “The Heirloom Gardener: Traditional Plants and Skills for the Modern World;” Susan Pike, nature writer for seacoastonline.com ; Pollinator Pathways representatives discussing native plants; Ikebana flower arranging demonstrations; musicians, plein air artists, and cookies. Tickets available at  portsmouthnhtickets.com/organizations/south-church and at five Seacoast locations. Visit southchurch-uu.org/what-we-offer/pocket-garden-tour .

Portsmouth Pride 2024

Portsmouth Pride will be celebrated with a parade anyone can join on Saturday, June 22. Gather outside 40 Pleasant St. at noon and march in the parade down Pleasant and State Street to Strawbery Banke’s Puddle Dock where the celebration will continue until 5 p.m. Enjoy food, music, 100-plus vendors, a beer tent and more. Visit seacoastoutright.org/portsmouth-pride for information.

Fill The Hall

Gather food pantry and The Music Hall are again joining forces for Fill The Hall. The mission is to fill all the theater’s seats with food donations to help feed our Seacoast neighbors in need. Donations will be accepted at 25 Chestnut St. on Saturday, June 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and you can always make a cash donation at gathernh.org .

Summer in the Street music series

The Summer in the Street series shuts down Pleasant Street downtown each Saturday afternoon and evening beginning June 29 to create a pedestrian-friendly performance venue in the heart of the city. Pleasant Street from Porter Street to Market Square closes from 4 to 9:30 p.m. Saturdays so folks can literally dance in the streets. The free performances begin at 5:30 p.m., but many have staked out their spot with their lawn chair long before that. Watch proportsmouth.org for announcements about this year’s performers.

Live Under The Arch series at The Music Hall

The Music Hall presents the Live Under The Arch series of outdoor concerts on Chestnut Street in front of the theater. Performing this year will be Dead Meat: A Tribute To The Grateful Dead on Friday, June 14; Assembly of Dust on Thursday, Aug. 8 and Perpetual Groove on Sunday, Aug. 25. Check out themusichall.org for tickets and more concert announcements.

Tuesdays on the Terrace Summer Concert Series

Strawberry Banke Museum presents Tuesday on the Terrace concert series from June 18 to Aug. 27 at 5:30 p.m. On the lawn of Puddle Dock, local musicians perform on the open-air stage. American band North River Music will perform June 18; Portsmouth’s own Sharon Jones on June 25; Beatles tribute 2 of Us on July 2; Kids’ Night with Sages Entertainment and DJ Skooch on July 9; Ben Baldwin and Kent Allyn, July 16; traditional bluegrass with Zoe & Cloyd on July 23; Cormac McCarthy on July 30; Truffle, Aug. 6; Sidewalk Boys, Aug. 13; Kids’ Night with Sages Entertainment and Mr. Aaron on Aug. 20; Liz and Dan Faiella on Aug. 27. Food and drinks are available for purchase. Bring your own chair or blanket.

Button Factory Stage at WSCA

Portsmouth Community Radio WSCA presents concerts on its Button Factory Stage such as songwriters Wes Pearce, Jon Hatchett, & Hamilton Belk  on  Sunday, June 16. Check out their schedule and get tickets at wscafm.org .

Ukraine’s DakhaBrakha to perform

DakhaBrakha, a music quartet from Kyiv, Ukraine, known for its theatrical shows with strong visuals, will perform at 3S Artspace on Friday, June 21 at 7 p.m. They have played in major international festivals throughout Eastern and Western Europe, Russia, Asia, Australia, and North America. Tickets at 3sarts.org .

More live music

There are a host of venues around Portsmouth that offer live music regularly if not daily. Check out Jimmy’s Bar and Grill at jimmysoncongress.com ; The Music Hall and The Music Hall Lounge, themusichall.org ; The Press Room, pressroomnh.com ; The Goat, goatnh.com/portsmouth/calendar ; The River House restaurant, riverhouse53bow.com , among other bars and restaurants that support live music all year long.

Seacoast Repertory Theatre

The Seacoast Rep’s musicals are alway top-notch and a great way to spend an evening. This summer, they’re presenting “Joseph” from June 7 to July 13; "Rock of Ages" from July 19 to Sept. 1. Visit SeacoastRep.org .

Players’ Ring Theatre

The Players’ Ring Theatre offers a variety of plays for adults evenings and on the weekends they offer productions for children during the day. Neighboring The Puddle Dock Restaurant offers a 10% discount for theater patrons. The Puddle Dock’s sister restaurant Tour on Lafayette Road does the same. Visit playersring.org for showtimes and tickets.

New Hampshire Theater Project

The New Hampshire Theatre Project is presenting the dramatic comedy “Romeo and Her Sister” June 7 to 23 at its West End Theater. Visit nhtheatreproject.org .

Boston Dance Theater at 3S Artspace

Boston Dance Theater returns to 3S Artpsace on May 31 and June 1 with "Pinnacle Works: Galili, Goecke, & Pereira,” contemporary dance works by three choreographers, “each decorated by royalty for their contributions to performing arts,” according to 3S Artspace’s website. Tickets at 3sarts.org .

New for game show fans

Game Show Face Off has opened in the Fox Run Mall. At the venue, you and your friends can play game shows live in a studio just like you see on TV. It’s for those 18 and over and you can reserve the venue for one hour to play three games with up to 20 of your friends. The venue is used for team building experiences for workplaces, but it is open for the public on weekends. Reserve your game show slot at gameshowfaceoff.com .

3S Artspace will host “The Crossword Show” on Saturday, June 22 at 7:30 p.m. Zach Sherwin is the show host and will preside over two comedians who will solve an actual crossword puzzle live on stage. Information: 3Sarts.org .

For art lovers

On the First Friday of every month, downtown Portsmouth’s art and museum galleries host the Art ‘Round Town gallery walk from 5 to 8 p.m. Galleries stay open late to welcome the public with receptions and a chance to meet the artists they represent. Find participating galleries at goportsmouthnh.com/art-round-town .

A YART Sale

Also for art lovers, 3S Artspace will hold its annual YART Sale, a yard sale featuring the work of local artists at great prices, on Sunday, June 9 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Artwork is discounted to 40% or more off fair market value price. Many of the artists will be present to meet the public.

Fourth of July fireworks

The city of Portsmouth hosts a large fireworks display to celebrate Independence Day traditionally scheduled for the evening of July 3 after dusk. Keep an eye on cityofportsmouth.com/city/master-calendar for details as the holiday gets closer.

Movie Mondays

Movies will be shown on a big screen Monday nights at Prescott Park after dusk falls. Check out prescottpark.org for this year’s films when they’re announced. A donation of $5 per person is suggested.

Telluride By The Sea

And fresh off the Telluride Film Festival in Colorado, the Telluride by the Sea Festival will take place the weekend of Sept. 12-14 at The Music Hall in Portsmouth and feature new films that debuted at 50th Telluride Film Festival over Labor Day weekend. The films to be shown in Portsmouth will be announced by The Music Hall right before Labor Day weekend. Weekend passes are on sale now at themusichall.org .