Jim Garman 1938-2026 It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Jim Garman — our longtime board member, past president, Town Historian, and dear friend. Jim’s dedication to preserving and sharing Portsmouth’s history leaves a lasting legacy in our community. His leadership and knowledge will be deeply missed. Please keep Jim’s family […]
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
The Portsmouth Historical Society Museum is now accessible to all! The new Lifeway Mobility Lift to the second floor of the society’s museum is officially open! Town Historian Jim Garman and Missy Taylor did the honors at our ribbon cutting, celebrating a major step toward accessibility for everyone. The new lift is fully enclosed and
We’re excited to share that the museum will soon be handicap accessible! After years of planning, construction began earlier this month on a new exterior lift to the second floor. This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our community. Huge thanks to the Alletta Morris McBean Trust, Bank Newport, the Felice Fund,
May 13, 2025 – A group of Pennfield School student toured the museum. “Period” actors Gloria and Richard Schmidt, Dave Duggan and Jim Garman provided ‘living history’ and Becky Sattel and Rich Talipsky assisted.
The Portsmouth Historical Society has announced that the museum and grounds will be open for the 2025 summer season. Opening day is Sunday, June 8th at 2pm. The museum will be open the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month from 2 to 4 pm. Additional details can be found here. Check out our events
Portsmouth celebrated its 387th birthday on March 7, 2025. This year’s commemoration was held at the Portsmouth Friends Church. The church recently celebration a milestone of its own ; construction of the structure began in 1699, making it 325 years old. As part of the celebration, the original Portsmouth Compact from 1638 once again traveled
Dec 5, 2024 Annual Meeting and Holiday Gathering Featured Presentation was a screening of RIPBS Treasures Inside the Museum featuring Portsmouth Historical Society. Heavy Hors D’ouevres and Cocktails followed A video is available at the PHS You Tube Channel
Dec 5, 2024 – PHS Annual Meeting and Holiday Party Read More »
Oct 24, 2024 – Trolleys Lecture Oct 24, 2024 – Fresh off the Portsmouth Historical Society’s historic trolley tour, Portsmouth Town Historian Jim Garman presented a lecture on the history of Aquidneck Island trolleys where he showed many of the photos in his impressive collection. Come learn about the Island Line that traversed the east
Oct 24, 2024 – “Aquidneck Island Trolleys” Lecture Read More »
