Looking for Portsmouth Photos or Memorabilia

Looking for Portsmouth history collectors who have historical photos or memorabilia of Downtown, Olde Towne, Newtown, and Lincolnsville.  

The Portsmouth Historical Association (Hill House Museum) is putting together a photo exhibit showcasing these areas as they transformed through history.   Do you have photos or memorabilia to loan or make copies of for our Fall 2022 exhibit?   If you do, please email us or call.

Email:  info@thehillhousemusuem.org

Call:  757-714-3226

Happy Founder’s Day Portsmouth!!!

Portsmouth was founded as a town February 27th in 1752, on 65 acres of land on the shores of the Elizabeth River.

The Town of Portsmouth was established by the act of the General Assembly and named for Portsmouth, England, by its founder - Col. William Crawford - who dedicated the four corners of High and Court Streets for a church, a market, a courthouse, and a jail. Attached are photos of the four-corners Col. Crawford laid out at Court and High Streets.

Can you identify the buildings at the four-corners, some of which still exist, and others long gone? One thing to point out all pictures have dirt roads. (Photos circa 1890-1910)

Early Snow Pics

Brrrrr.....Check out the snow pictures we ran across in the Hill House Museum archives. Now that looks like a winter storm.

The first picture is the 200 block of North Street circa 1910. While looking at the picture the Hill House Museum is to your immediate right.

The other picture was taken during December of 1892 when the Railroad was still running down the middle of High Street.  Also, take note the picture was developed at Turner Photography Studio in Portsmouth at 208 High Street.