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
1805 Building Tour
HOURS
Shaw Research Library &
Randall Gallery
Tuesday through Saturday
1 to 4 p.m.
Reading Room Tours
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.
July 2026: The Red Light District
By Research Librarian Jessica Zaricki This summer and fall the Portsmouth Athenæum presents The Red Light District: Vice in Portsmouth, NH at the Turn of the 20th Century, an exhibit in the Randall Gallery which offers a glimpse at a seedier part of our city’s...
Exhibit Shines the Red Light on City’s Past
By Sherry Wood "The Red Light District: Vice in Portsmouth, NH, at the Turn of the 20th Century," opens July 10 in the Randall Gallery. It will bring a fresh perspective to Portsmouth's houses of ill repute, which flourished after the Spanish-American War of 1898...
Portsmouth Athenæum Chamber Music 2026
The Portsmouth Athenæum presents this annual series of chamber music concerts held in historic venues around Portsmouth. This year, the public is invited to attend the following four chamber concerts: NEW ENGLAND BAROQUE SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 3 p.m. St. John's Church,...