Mission: To provide a central city location where, in cooperation with other groups, we can introduce, interpret, and stimulate the study of portsmouth history. Activities include collecting, preserving, and interpreting examples of the material and social culture of portsmouth, presenting programs and exhibits, and operating a historic house museum and visitor center that serves as a gateway to portsmouth.

Programs: 1.Oversee operations and visitor programs to john paul jones house and discover portsmouth center- the portsmouth historical society manages and oversees the operations at the historic museum house (known as the john paul jones house) and the discover portsmouth center (visitor center), both located in downtown portsmouth, nh. It also oversees the black heritage trail. Staff, the executive director and curator, oversee an information desk and other visitor programs that operate from april to december each year. The visitor center is a "one-stop" central gateway to the historical, cultural, and artistic venues of greater portsmouth and also houses an exhibition site displaying the art and history of the region. Local artists and crafts people are showcased to demonstrate portsmouth's cultural connection to the past. 2.Renovate and maintain historic buildings- phs entered into a 25-year lease with the city of portsmouth to use the city-owned former public library to house a visitor center and exhibit site. In accepting the lease, phs made a commitment to renovate and modernize the building, including replacing the old, inefficient heating, cooling, and lighting systems. The space is made available to local nonprofit organizations. Phs also maintains the john paul jones historic museum house in good condition, in recognition of the importance of preserving historic buildings for the benefit of future generations. 3.Promote historic preservation in the greater portsmouth area- phs organizes and oversees a wide variety of activities to promote historic preservation to portsmouth residents and to visitors. In addition to the activities mentioned above, phs operates the black heritage trail for research and teaching related to african american history in nh; sponsors events, programs, walking tours, and exhibits to increase public awareness of the history and culture of the region; and publishes books related to portsmouth history.