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
2026 PACM Series: Three Extraordinary Musicians
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.
September 2026: National Wilderness Month
By Research Librarian Jessica Zaricki In 2021, President Joseph R. Biden declared September as National Wilderness Month as a recommitment to the Wilderness Act of 1964, which sought to protect millions of acres of undeveloped federal public land from industrial...
Message from Our Interim Director
By Interim Director Catherine Keene Fields My first few weeks at the Portsmouth Athenæum have been a whirlwind. As I learn more and more, I am increasingly excited about the organization and its future. The Athenæum has played an important role in preserving and...
August 2026: Beach Reads
By Research Librarian Jessica Zaricki It’s summertime and our thoughts have turned to the beach and, of course, light, distracting summer reads. Please enjoy this selection from our circulating collection featuring mystery, romance, and New Hampshire’s local beaches...