Portsmouth, at the northern end of Aquidneck Island, is often known for its rolling farmland, historic gentlemen’s farms, and its connection to the 1778 Battle of Rhode Island. But the town also holds a major place in the story of early American democracy through the Portsmouth Compact of 1638. Signed on March 7, 1638 by […]
The Portsmouth Historical Society is close to finishing a six year growth plan that has helped modernize the organization. Leaders shared an update at their annual meeting on December 11, attended by about 50 members, at the former Christian Union Church that now serves as the society’s museum and meeting space. The nonprofit, founded in
Aug 16, 2023 Glen Manor House Celebrates 100 years with a Family-Friendly Open House Over 150 guests celebrated the anniversary of Glen Manor House. They enjoyed live music by local favorite Deja Vu! Food trucks were on site (think Mexican, pizza and Ben & Jerry’s) and many brought a picnic. An exceptional talk on
August 16, 2023 – Glen Manor House Celebrates 100 Years Read More »
William Ellery Channing, the famous early 19th Century Unitarian preacher from Newport and Boston whose liberal philosophy inspired transcendentalists like Emerson and Thoreau, loved his family farm in Portsmouth more than any other place. Throughout his life, he spent entire summers at Oakland Farm, later purchased by the Vanderbilts. Sundays would invariably find him preaching
August 6th,2023 – Lecture on William Ellery Channing Read More »
July 20, 2023 Lecture by Jim Garman ” Steamboats on Narragansett Bay and the Sakonnet River” 70 people attended the lecture at the museun hall. The entire museum was open to visitors and all enjoyed a reception following the lecture. In the 19th Century steam-boating on the Bay and the River was a popular means
June 11 and 25, 2023 -Historical Society Museum Displays Special Flags The Portsmouth Historical Society museum and grounds opened on June 11tha and 25th to display two flags from the Society’s collection to celebrate Flag Day. On display was the Society’s oldest flag that has 13 five-pointed stars. According to the family, the flag came
June 11 and 25, 2023 -Historical Society Museum Displays Special Flags Read More »
June 6, 2023 – Wade Catts, the co-director of a team that excavated the remains of Hessian soldiers killed in a battle against Col. Christopher Greene and the 1st and 2nd Rhode Island Regiments at Fort Mercer in Red Bank, New Jersey (October 1777). provided remarks. Mr. Catts addressed this internationally recognized, award-winning project in
June 1, 2023 – Historical Society President, Craig Clark, Marybeth Clark and Board Member Rich Talipsky were on hand, with about 25 other non-profits, at Innovate Newport to greet and meet nearly 100 people interested in volunteering to serve on the organizations’ Boards of Directors.
June 1, 2023 – PHS Participates in RI Foundation Board Recruitment Event Read More »
May 11, 2023 – Lecture “Abby Sherman Diaries” – Jim Garman The Life of Abby A. Sherman Portsmouth town historian Jim Garman discussed the life of Abby A. Sherman (1847-1933) based on her diaries which he transcribed. Abby was a farmer’s wife, mother of three sons, a founder of the Portsmouth Free Public Library, a suffragist, and active in
May 8 – Walking Tour of Portsmouth Friends Churchyard Visitors joined Stephen Luce for a walking tour of the Portsmouth Friend’s Churchyard. You will learn about the history of the 1702 Meeting House, which is the 2nd oldest church in R.I. and the 20th oldest in America. (The Meeting House was open for a quick
May 8, 2023 – Walking Tour of the Portsmouth Friends Churchyard Read More »
