Historic Walking Tours with Portsmouth Historical Society

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, sits on the edge of the Piscataqua River, brimming with centuries of maritime heritage and Revolutionary-era history. The Portsmouth Historical Society invites visitors to experience this rich past with their walking tour, "The Portsmouth Path of President Washington." This 90-minute guided journey weaves through the city’s preserved streets and historical landmarks tied to George Washington's 1789 visit to Portsmouth, offering a window into 400 years of local history.

The tour is anchored by expertly knowledgeable guides who bring the colonial period to life with detailed narratives about the evolving cityscape post-Revolution and key figures who shaped the region’s identity. Guests have shared how the historian-led trek is paced thoughtfully, balancing informative storytelling with time to absorb the architecture—from stately 18th-century homes to humble shops—that stands today as a reminder of Portsmouth’s role in the nation’s early days.

The Historical Society operates out of a building that was once the Portsmouth Public Library, now housing exhibits, a museum store, and the Seacoast African Cultural Center enriching the cultural context visitors receive on site. The combination of indoor museum elements and outdoor walking tours provides a layered experience, far beyond a typical history lesson. Seasonal displays—from gingerbread exhibitions to furniture showcases—add local flavor to visits.

For those drawn to history or seeking a meaningful way to connect with New England’s past on foot, the Portsmouth Historical Society represents a distinctive stop. It’s an engaging alternative to conventional outdoor recreation, allowing visitors to walk through time amid Portland’s charming streets. Summer tourists and off-season visitors alike find the tours accessible, educational, and distinctly tied to this New England port city’s unique story.