Always wondered how you could hang out on the lawn of that gorgeous yellow mansion on the corner of Middle and State Streets in downtown Portsmouth? Always wanted to peek inside the house but haven't put that on your calendar yet? Now's your chance. On Sunday July 8 at 1pm, the Portsmouth Historical Society, which runs Discover Portsmouth and which saved the John Paul Jones House in 1917, is hosting its free annual birthday party for the father of the US Navy, who spoke the immortal words, "I have not yet begun to fight!" (John Paul Jones was born 271 years ago, on July 6, 1747)
Come to 43 Middle Street at 1pm for patriotic festivities, live music provided by perennial favorite Great Bay Sailor, cake and family fun, including a book signing. Michael and Michelle Mitchell will be on hand to sign copies of their new comic book about John Paul Jones. Admission and house tours are free to the public. In addition to the several galleries devoted to John Paul Jones, the Russo-Japanese Peace Treaty signed in Portsmouth in 1905, Portsmouth’s maritime history, and local paintings and decorative arts, we are again featuring a special exhibition. This year’s exhibit is titled, “Overlooked and Undervalued: Three Hundred Years of Women’s Art from the Seacoast” and features works of art of many types by women from the Seacoast area.
About John Paul Jones
Scottish born naval captain and colonial America's first sea warrior, John Paul Jones visited New Hampshire twice. In 1777 he took the Portsmouth-built Ranger with a Piscataqua crew to France. There he worried the British in a series of guerilla raids before his famous battle on the Bon Homme Richard. Later, a hero decorated by the king of France, he returned to Portsmouth to fit out the America, the largest ship of war ever built in the nation to that day. While he was here, Jones stayed at the Purcell House, today the John Paul Jones House.
About National Historic Landmarks
A National Historic Landmark is a building, site, structure, or object that is officially recognized by the United States government for its outstanding degree of historical significance. Out of over 85,000 places that have been listed on the country's National Register of Historic Places only about 2,500 are recognized as National Historic Landmarks. There are eight sites in Portsmouth: the USS Albacore, Richard Jackson House, John Paul Jones House, Governor John Langdon House, Warner House, Moffatt-Ladd House and Garden, Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion, and Wentworth-Gardner House.
About Portsmouth Historical Society, founded in 1917, is a nonprofit devoted to championing the history, arts, and culture of the Portsmouth region through acquisitions, preservation, museum exhibitions, programs, and publications. It operates two facilities: Discover Portsmouth, a cultural gateway to the City, and the 1758 John Paul Jones House and Garden, a national historic landmark.
About John Paul Jones House: hours, admission
The John Paul Jones House Museum and Gardens are located at 43 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801 and open from 11am-5pm from Memorial Day Monday May 28 through Columbus Day October 8, 2018 + Veterans Day, Sunday November 11, 2018, closed Wednesday, July 4. Admission is $6; $5 for Portsmouth residents, AAA, Seniors and retired Military. Members of the Portsmouth Historical Society, children under 12 and active military personnel and their families are free. Group rates available; tours are self-guided; the last tour begins at 4:30pm. For more information on tours and events call 603-436-8420, visit Discover Portsmouth at 10 Middle Street, or check out PortsmouthHistory.org.
Our sponsors
LCHIP (Land and Community Heritage Investment Program)
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
Star Island Builders
Cornerstone Tree Care
Rosamond Thaxter Foundation
We’re grateful to our many volunteers who help keep the JPJ House Museum and Gardens looking good – Liberty Mutual, Piscataqua Garden Club, and Portsmouth High School, and our Buildings and Grounds Committee.
Also available At the John Paul Jones House Carriage House
Port City Bike Tours
Now offering daily guided and self-guided bike tours starting at the John Paul Jones Carriage House, 43 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH. Guided tours (2-6 riders) range from from 7 to 25 miles, 90 minutes to 3 1/2 hours, and each offers amazing scenery, history and local insights. Private custom tours for your family, friends or corporate group are also available. Tours include your guide, custom fit 21-speed bike, helmet, water and snack. To reserve call 603-969-1866 or visit www.portcitybiketours.com
When:
Sunday, July 8, 2018 from 1-4pm
Location:
Phone:
603-436-8420
