Aquidneck Island has been subjected to a number of devastating hurricanes since colonial days. Over 70 people heard Town Historian Jim Garman talk about what it was like in the aftermath of the ‘38 and ‘54 hurricanes on the 85th anniversary of the 1938 hurricane. This lecture included numerous photographs showing the serious damage done to …
Sept 21, 2023 – Jim Garman Talks About Hurricanes Read More »
September 10, 2023. The Portsmouth Historical Society sponsored a Family Fun Day at the Museum. The free event included a ’living history’ display in the Society’s 1725 “Southermost” Schoolhouse as well as colonial games with prizes. They met Schoolmaster James Preston who served as the first teacher and lived in the cellar of the school …
September 10, 2023 – Family Fun Day at the Museum Read More »
The Society joined the Sakonnet Coastal Bike & Stroll where families, children, and people of all ages and abilities to walk and bike along beautiful Park Ave and The Hummocks in Portsmouth, RI… and to enjoy this 2-mile expanse of coastal road free from motor vehicles. Participants enjoyed the beauty of Island Park and The …
September 9, 2023 – PHS Supports Bike and Stroll Event Read More »
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.
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 …
