Portsmouth Athenaeum in Portsmouth, United States - reviews,open hours,photo spots,things to do

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Posts

Stephen PriestStephen Priest

I have to thank fellow reviewers Whole Heart Homes and Abigail Epplett for their reviews about this historic library! I, like other lifetime residents, didn't know about this library and this treasure of Portsmouth! I was part of a tour with people from Cape Cod(?) Massachusetts. The tour guide was a volunteer who handles the photography for the library. He was very knowledgeable and a pleasure to talk to. They have both old and new 🆕 books 📚, old maps, small exhibits, places to sit 🪑 in both the library and reading room. Old paintings and busts adorn the library. The building is actually composed of two buildings and three floors. The third floor wasn't open to the public. You enter the Athenaeum through the door that is next to Irish and Celtic shoppe that rents out part of the building. The axe that was used in the Smuttynose Murders is on display in the reading room. I'm very interested in the history of Portsmouth and I was enjoying my time here. This building is not wheelchair ♿ accessible unless they let you in through the exit. You would only be able to visit the reading rooms on the ground floor. For history buffs, I recommend a visit! Check the website for times that are available for visiting. Donations accepted.

Whole Heart HomesWhole Heart Homes

The staff at the Athenaeum are curious, helpful and a wealth of knowledge. I went in to do very specific research on a historic home and they knew exactly where to direct me to get what I needed. The reading room is quiet and peaceful. An excellent place to learn more about Portsmouth’s rich history. The environment was very inspirational…everyone there was excited to search and find information in a collaborative way.

Aja MunsellAja Munsell

Very cool building and library. We were lucky enough to get a small tour from one of the guides there who was very informative. They have old boat models, fire brigade buckets, a scrimshaw ship, a whole library of 200+ year old books, beautiful paintings and busts, whale bones and even a preserved whale eye. You can hang out and read or just walk around and enjoy the scenery. So happy we stumbled onto it.

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Reviews of Portsmouth Athenaeum

4.9

(12)

5.0

2y

I have to thank fellow reviewers Whole Heart Homes and Abigail Epplett for their reviews about this historic library! I, like other lifetime residents, didn't know about this library and this treasure of Portsmouth! I was part of a tour with people from Cape Cod(?) Massachusetts. The tour guide was a volunteer who handles the photography for the library. He was very knowledgeable and a pleasure to talk to. They have both old and new 🆕 books 📚, old maps, small exhibits, places to sit 🪑 in both the library and reading room. Old paintings and busts adorn the library. The building is actually composed of two buildings and three floors. The third floor wasn't open to the public. You enter the Athenaeum through the door that is next to Irish and Celtic shoppe that rents out part of the building. The axe that was used in the Smuttynose Murders is on display in the reading room. I'm very interested in the history of Portsmouth and I was enjoying my time here. This building is not wheelchair ♿ accessible unless they let you in through the exit. You would only be able to visit the reading rooms on the ground floor. For history buffs, I recommend a visit! Check the website for times that are available for visiting....